Amplified cathodic electrochemiluminescence of luminol based on zinc oxide nanoparticle modified Ni-foam electrode for ultrasensitive detection of amoxicillin

Abstract

Here is reported a new feasible and facile method for the determination of amoxicillin by the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method. The ECL signal was produced by the sensitive reaction between amoxicillin and luminol on the modified ZnO nanoparticle/nickel foam (ZnONP/Ni-foam) electrode. The silica film was used as a size controller template to modify the nickel foam with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Electrochemiluminescence emission of luminol in the negative potential window was enhanced in the presence of the deposited nanoparticles. The characterization of the ZnONP/Ni-foam electrode was carried out with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The fabricated electrode was applied for trace analysis of amoxicillin by an ultrasensitive ECL technique in the alkaline solutions. The modified electrode indicated high sensitivity toward amoxicillin under the optimal conditions in the wide linear range of 4.0 × 10−11–6.5 × 10−5 M with a low detection limit of 8.3 × 10−12 M and relative standard deviation of 1.42%. The proposed ECL-based sensor presented superior proficiency for accurate analysis of amoxicillin with high selectivity and excellent repeatability and it was successfully applied for the determination of amoxicillin in some food samples with admissible outcomes.