Ferrocene functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube bundles. Hybrid interdigitated construction film for L-glutamate detection

A ferrocene functionalized SWCNT noncovalent nanohybrid was investigated by using a ferrocene/SWCNT interdigitated construction film as an electrode for L-glutamate detection. Ferrocene could immobilize on the surface of SWCNT bundles, and the ferrocene/SWCNT hybrid had a high stability not only in water but also in an organic solvent such as ethanol and acetone (no sediment was observed for more than 3 months). The nanohybrid could not only be thoroughly dispersed in ethanol but also adhere tightly onto glass substrates to form an interdigitated construction film. Owing to the existence of more carbon nanotubes, more active electrochemical mediators, and the unique interdigitated structure of the film, the ferrocene/SWCNT electrode exhibited a high catalytic efficiency, high sensitivity, and fast response during the detection of a low concentration Of L-glutamate (I mu M). A good linear relationship between current and concentration was obtained from I to 7 mu M.