A new voltammetric sensor based on poly(L-arginine)/graphene–Nafion composite film modified electrode for sensitive determination of Terbutaline sulfate

Abstract

A novel voltammetric sensor based on graphene–Nafion and poly(L-arginine) was constructed by electrodeposited and simple dipping–drying methods and used for high-sensitive determination of Terbutaline sulfate (TBS). The resulting poly(L-arginine)/graphene–Nafion modified electrode showed a significant voltammetric response to TBS due to the synergistic effect of poly(L-arginine) and graphene–Nafion, in which poly(L-arginine) had electrocatalytic ability for TBS and graphene provided a large specific surface area, excellent electric conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. The sensor gave a good linear range over 4.0×10−8–5.0×10−6molL−1 with a detection limit of 1.2×10−8molL−1 towards the determination of TBS. The high sensitivity and selectivity together with the good linear relationship, very easy surface regeneration and good stability at such a modified electrode led us to construct a practical TBS biosensor successfully. This work promoted the potential applications of graphene-based materials in electrochemical sensors.