Polypyrrole-derived carbon nanotubes for potential application in electrochemical detection of dopamine

Dopamine (DA), as a crucial signal molecule in neurological diseases, can be detected by electrochemical technology because of its redox property. A novel electrochemical sensor for dopamine (DA) is developed based on heteroatom-doped carbon nanotubes derived from polypyrrole. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, specific surface analyzer, and cyclic voltammetry are employed to characterize the microstructure and property of the products. The electrochemical catalytic activities of heteroatom-doped carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) towards DA are further investigated by cyclic voltammetry, amperometry, and differential pulse voltammetry. The results indicate that heteroatom-doped carbon nanotubes prepared by pyrolysis of polypyrrole nanotubes at 800 degrees C possessed higher specific surface area and better electrochemical activity compared with others obtained at different temperatures. Therefore, the electrochemical sensor fabricated by the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotubes shows excellent detection ability towards DA as well as remarkable anti-interference ability and stability. These features collectively endow the polypyrrole-derived carbon nanotubes with a promising appli-cation for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that heteroatom-doped carbon nanotubes derived from polypyrrole can serve as an excellent electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection, showing outstanding detection ability, anti-interference capability, and stability.