Synthesis of a functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube decorated ruskin michelle-like ZnO nanocomposite and its application in the development of a highly sensitive hydroquinone sensor

• Published in: Inorganic chemistry frontiers 2018-08, Vol.5 (8), p.1950-1961
• Main Authors: Deepak Balram, Kuang-Yow Lian, Neethu Sebastian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Chemical sensors; Decoration; Electrical measurement; Electrochemical analysis; Fourier transforms; Glassy carbon; Hydroquinone; Infrared spectroscopy; Inorganic chemistry; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Nanocomposites; Nanotubes; Reproducibility; Scanning electron microscopy; Sensors; Spectrum analysis; Synthesis; Voltammetry; X-ray diffraction; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 2052-1545; 2052-1553
• DOI: 10.1039/c8qi00440d

In this paper, a novel electrochemical sensor based on a functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) decorated ruskin michelle-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite for the determination of the environmental pollutant hydroquinone (HQ) is reported. We have followed a new aqueous solution method for the synthesis of ruskin michelle-like ZnO nanoparticles and they are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and UV visible spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and amperometric techniques are used for the electrochemical analysis of a f-MWCNT decorated ruskin michelle-like ZnO nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The fabricated f-MWCNT/ZnO GCE showcased excellent electrocatalytic activity in the determination of HQ and we obtained a sharp anodic and cathodic peak current at a low potential value of 0.11 V and 0.05 V, respectively. Efficient reproducibility and stability, anti-interference property and good repeatability, which are the traits of a good electrochemical sensor, are exhibited by the fabricated sensor. We have obtained a very low limit of detection (LOD) for the fabricated f-MWCNT/ZnO GCE of 0.02 μM, a linear response in the range of 0.1–190 μM and a sensitivity of 6.37 μA μM−1 cm−2. These results obtained from the electrochemical analysis reveal the excellent performance of the f-MWCNT decorated ruskin michelle-like ZnO nanocomposite modified GCE in the effective determination of HQ.