Electrochemical switch sensor toward ephedrine hydrochloride determination based on molecularly imprinted polymer/nafion-MWCNTs modified electrode

An electrochemical switch sensor toward ephedrine hydrochloride (EPh) determination was developed based on complex reactions and molecular imprinting (MIP) technique. The MIP was formed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Nafion-multi-walled carbon nanotube (Nafion-MWCNTs/GCE). The analytical performances of this sensor were evaluated using several electrochemical methods by measuring the response of EPh elution and re-adsorption in MIP. The working concentration range of this sensor was 1.8 x 10(-7) mol/L similar to 7.5 x 10(-5) mol/L with a detection limit of 7.2 x 10(-8) mol/L (S/N = 3). The sensor also displayed a fast response time of less than 180 s and good anti-interference ability towards several co-existing substances. The determination of EPh in spiked Saliva samples also receives satisfying results which suggest potential applications of the present sensor.

Automated summary

An electrochemical switch sensor for ephedrine hydrochloride (EPh) determination was developed based on complex reactions and molecular imprinting (MIP) technique. The sensor showed a wide working concentration range, low detection limit, fast response time, and strong anti-interference ability. Results from spiked saliva samples suggest potential applications of the sensor.