Multiwalled carbon nanotubes with poly( NDGAChi) biocomposite film for the electrocatalysis of epinephrine and norepinephrine

Abstract

A novel biocomposite film (MWCNTs–P NDGAChi), which contains multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with the incorporation of poly(nordihydroguaiaretic acid) and chitosan copolymer (P NDGAChi), has been synthesized on gold electrode by potentiostatic methods. The presence of MWCNTs in the biocomposite film enhances P NDGAChi’s surface coverage concentration ( Γ) on the electrode and decreases degradation of P NDGAChi during cycling. The biocomposite film also exhibits promising enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of biochemical compounds such as epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NEP). Cyclic voltammetry was used for the measurement of electroanalytical properties of analytes by means of MWCNTs–P NDGAChi biocomposite film modified gold electrode. The sensitivity values of MWCNTs–P NDGAChi biocomposite film modified gold electrode are higher than the values obtained for P NDGAChi film modified gold electrode. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies reveal the enhancements in the functional properties of MWCNTs and P NDGAChi present in MWCNTs–P NDGAChi biocomposite film. Surface morphology of the biocomposite films was studied using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The surface morphology results reveal that P NDGAChi incorporated on MWCNTs. Finally, flow injection analysis was used for the amperometric detection of EP and NEP at MWCNTs–P NDGAChi film modified screen printed carbon electrode.