Selective detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid by use of glassy-carbon electrodes modified with both polyaniline film and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with incorporated β-cyclodextrin

A simple, sensitive, and reliable method based on a combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with incorporated beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD-MWNTs) and a polyaniline (PANI) film-modified glassy-carbon (GC) electrode has been successfully developed for determination of dopamine (DA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). The PANI film had good anti-interference properties and long-term stability, because of the permselective and protective properties of the conducting redox polymer film. The acid-treated MWNTs with carboxylic acid functional groups promoted the electron-transfer reaction of DA and inhibited the voltammetric response of AA. Sensitive detection of DA was further improved by the preconcentration effect of formation of a supramolecular complex between beta-CD and DA. The analytical response of the beta-CD-MWNTs/PANI film to the electrochemical behavior of DA was, therefore, better than that of a MWNTs/PANI film, a PANI film, or a bare glassy-carbon (GC) electrode. Under the conditions chosen a linear calibration plot was obtained in the range 1.0x10(-7)-1.0x10(-3) mol L-1 and the detection limit was 1.2x10(-8)mol L-1. Interference from AA was effectively eliminated and the sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reproducibility of the electrodes was excellent for determination of DA.