A nickel hydroxide platform prepared on a hydroxyl-enriched screen-printed carbon electrode for oxidative electrocatalysis

We report here the preparation of an activation-free Ni electrode (i.e., eventually the formation of NiOOH) through enrichment of hydroxyl functional groups via a base-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction on a "preanodized" screen printed carbon electrode. The as-prepared Ni electrode exhibits good electroanalytic performance for the flow injection analysis of glucose.

Determination of codeine in urine and drug formulations using a clay-modified screen-printed carbon electrode

Both flow-injection analysis and square-wave stripping voltammetry were evaluated for the determination of codeine in pharmaceutical formulations using a nontronite clay-modified screen-printed carbon electrode. Compared with a bare screen-printed carbon electrode, the nontronite clay-modified screen-printed carbon electrode exhibited a marked enhancement of the current response of codeine. A linear calibration plot was obtained over the 2.5-45 microM range (correlation coefficient=0.999) in pH 6.0 phosphate buffer solution with a detection limit of 20 nM (S/N=3) by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). While, in flow-injection analysis, the linearity was over 5-120 ng range with a detection limit of 1 ng in 20 microl loop. The nontronite clay-modified screen-printed carbon electrode can be either disposable or reused since the renewal gave a good reproducible surface. Quantitative analysis was performed by the standard addition method for codeine content in both urine and commercially available drugs.

A mimicking enzyme analogue for chemical sensors

An artificial enzyme analogue of Nafion/lead-ruthenium oxide pyrochlore (Py) chemically modified electrode (NPyCME) is synthesized by in situ precipitation through blocking of Nafion's hydrophilic zones. The catalytically active Py sites covered with a hydrophobic core of Nafion resemble an enzymatic structure. Moreover, the NPyCME obeys the Michaelis-Menten mechanism for the oxidation of many organic and biological molecules. This Account highlights aspects of the preparation, characterization, and application of the NPyCME.

Electrocatalytic cyclization of dithiothreitol on a chemically modified electrode by analogy with protein action

Electrocatalytic oxidative cyclization of dithiothreitol (DTT(SH)2) to a disulfide product was demonstrated on a Nafion/lead-ruthenium oxide pyrochlore chemically modified electrode (NPyCME). The process at the NPyCME with DTT(SH)2 is similar to the behaviour of protein in a disulfide linkage, which can be demonstrated by product analysis using HPLC coupled with UV spectroscopy. A possible electrocatalytic mechanism for DTT(SH)2 oxidation to dihydroxydithiane [i.e. cyclized DTT(S-S)] on the NPyCME was proposed in terms of Py-Ru(IV)/Py-Ru(VI) redox active sites. This physical aspect was further utilized for high precision analytical assays using flow injection analysis (FIA), with a linearity up to 50 microM and a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 28 nM (8.64 pg) in a 20 microL sample loop. This is the most sensitive method ever reported for DTT(SH)2 detection assays. The interference from dissolved oxygen, disulfide and glucose is almost negligible. The present method offers an easy route for extension to redox-related protein studies.

A dual electrochemical sensor for nitrite and nitric oxide

Nafion/lead-ruthenate pyrochlore chemically modified electrode (NPyCME) showed a remarkable dual sensing activity toward NO2- oxidation and NO reduction as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), ac-impedance spectroscopy and flow injection analysis (FIA). The mechanistic parameters of current function, charge transfer resistance and exchange current for the NPyCME, GCE and Nafion-coated GCE were evaluated and compared. The disproportionation reaction of NIIIO2- into NIVO3- + NIIO in acidic solution was used as a model system for testing the dual sensing ability of the NPyCME. The obtained crossover peak response for NO2- oxidation and NO reduction in pH 1.65 buffer solution gave the direct proof for the applicability of the NPyCME in the dual electrocatalytic action. By flow injection analysis, under optimized conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 100 nM-100 microM and 800 nM-63.3 microM and the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 4.8 nM and 15.6 nM for NO2- and NO, respectively.

Voltammetric determination of caffeine in beverages using a chemically modified electrode

A Nafion-ruthenium oxide pyrochlore chemically modified electrode is used for the determination of caffeine in beverages by square-wave voltammetry. Compared to a bare glassy carbon electrode, the chemically modified electrode exhibits a marked enhancement of the current response. A linear calibration curve is obtained over the 5-200 microns range in 0.05 M HCIO4 solution with a detection limit (3 delta) of 2 micron. The results of 15 successive repetitive measurement-regeneration cycles showed a relative standard deviation of 2.7% for 10 micron caffeine. Thus, the electrode renewal gives a good reproducible surface. Quantitative analysis was performed by the standard addition method for caffeine content in tea, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and cola beverages.