Enhanced Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Catechol and Hydroquinone Detection by Using Ultrasmall Ternary Pt-based Nanomaterial

The simple and effective method for the novel synthesis of Pt-based nanoparticle was presented with high efficiency. The sensitive catalyst for the simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone was prepared by depositing ternary metal complex on fluorine-doped tin-oxide (FTO). The composition and morphology of nanomaterials were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). The size of the Pt-based nanomaterial was about 5 +/- 1 nm. The electrochemical performance of the modified catalyst was studied by CV, DPV, and EIS. The modified PtNiCu@FTO catalyst possessed good electro-oxidation activity for hydroquinone and catechol and used for simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone at scan rate of 20 mV s(-1) (vs. Ag/AgCl). Detection responses were found in the ranges of 5-2900 mu M for hydroquinone and 5-3000 mu M for catechol. The detection limits (LOD) for HQ and CC were observed as 0.35 and 0.29 mu M, respectively. The sensitivity of HQ and CC were 1515.55 and 1485 mu A mM(-1) cm(-2), respectively. The prepared nanomaterial were effectively applied for the determination of CC and HQ in real samples.

Automated summary

A simple and effective method for synthesizing Pt-based nanoparticles was presented, showing high efficiency in the process. The novel catalyst prepared by depositing a ternary metal complex on fluorine-doped tin-oxide (FTO) displayed good electro-oxidation activity for hydroquinone and catechol. The nanomaterials were characterized and their electrochemical performance was studied, with promising results for simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone in real samples.