Simultaneous Detection of Catechol and Hydroquinone Using Acetylene Black and Gold Nanoparticle Composite Modified Electrodes

Quantitative analysis of dihydroxybenzene isomers holds great significance to agricultural chemistry, food safety and environmental protection. In this work, we demonstrate a facile strategy to determine catechol and hydroquinone by using acetylene black and gold nanoparticle composite modified electrodes (Au/AB/GCE). Compared with bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE), Au/AB/GCE showed much better performance in electrocatalytic oxidation-reduction of catechol and hydroquinone. The linear correlation between the peak currents and analyte concentrations suggested the simultaneous detection with ultralow limits of detection (0.5 mu M and 1 mu M for catechol and hydroquinone, respectively). Besides, the determination is selective and out of interference of common inorganic ions and organic compounds. Anson equation was employed to make a reasonable hypothesis, that the increased surface area and electrical conductivity of Au/AB/GCE contributed these good results. This strategy may become a promising means for ratiometric and simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone in water with convenience and high sensitivity.

Automated summary

Quantitative analysis of dihydroxybenzene isomers is of great significance in agricultural chemistry, food safety and environmental protection. This study demonstrates a facile strategy to determine catechol and hydroquinone using acetylene black and gold nanoparticle composite modified electrodes. The method shows better performance compared to bare glassy carbon electrodes and allows simultaneous detection with ultralow limits of detection.