Amperometric determination of the insecticide fipronil using batch injection analysis: comparison between unmodified and carbon-nanotube-modified electrodes

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of fipronil is investigated on unmodified and multi-walled carbon-nanotube (MWCNT)-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs), and its amperometric determination using batch injection analysis (BIA) is demonstrated. An oxidation peak was observed at 1.5 V in a 0.1 mol L−1 HClO4/acetone solution (50:50, v/v) on both surfaces. Although MWCNT-modified GCE provided greater sensitivity, the unmodified GCE showed low RSD value, wider linear range, and reduced adsorption of fipronil or its oxidized products on the electrode surface. A detection limit of 4.7 μmol L−1 and linear range of 25–300 μmol L−1 were obtained using a bare GCE. The method was applied in veterinary formulations with results in agreement with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography.