Enhanced voltammetric detection of paracetamol by using carbon nanotube modified electrode as an electrochemical sensor

Abstract

New aspects associated with electro-catalytic activity of poly(methyl orange) modified carbon nanotube paste electrode (PMMCNTPE) towards the detection of paracetamol (PC) which is typically used worldwide as a pain reliever, were explored through implementation of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. Bare carbon nanotube paste electrode (BCNTPE) was modified by methyl orange using the electro­polymerizing method. The effect of pH and influence of potential scan rate were resolved by means of CV technique. It was found that under optimized experimental conditions, PMMCNTPE imparts the analytical curve for PC in the concentration range of 2.0×10-6 – 5.0×10-5 M with detection limit of 3.8×10-8 M and limit of quantification of 1.2×10-8 M. The proposed sensor exhibited acceptable reproducibility, admirable stability, and adequate repeatability. The interference study of PC with dopamine (DA) and folic acid (FA) showed good selectivity of the designed sensor. The feasibility of the constructed electrochemical sensor to detect PC was successfully tested in some pharmaceutical formulations.