A glassy carbon electrode modified with N-doped carbon dots for improved detection of hydrogen peroxide and paracetamol.

Abstract

Nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs) were synthesized using a low temperature approach and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via dipping. The oxygen groups on the surface of the NCDs, and the charge delocalization of the NCDs warrant an excellent electrocatalytic activity of the GCE toward oxidation ofparacetamol (PA) andreduction of H2O2. PA and H2O2 were detected at 0.34V and -0.4V (bothvs. Ag/AgCl) using differential pulse voltammetry and amperometric I-T measurement, respectively. The modified GCE has a linear response to PA in the 0.5 to 600μM concentration range, and to H2O2 in the 0.05μM to 2.25mM concentration range. The detection limits are 157nM and 41nM, respectively. In our perception, the modified GCE holds promise for stable, selective and sensitive determination of PA and H2O2 in pharmaceutical analysis. Graphic abstract Nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs) were synthesized and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode. Surface functional groups on NCDs can trigger electrocatalytic reactions toward paracetamol oxidation and H2O2 reduction with high sensitivities.