Surface functionalization of CNTs with amine group and decoration of begonia-like ZnO for detection of antipyretic drug acetaminophen

Abstract

Detection of hepatotoxic antipyretic drug acetaminophen (APAP) at nanomolar level is detailed in this paper. We have prepared a novel nanocomposite with excellent electrocatalytic property for the detection of APAP based on amine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) decorated zinc oxide (ZnO). Surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes with amine group using ultrasound-assisted approach and synthesis of begonia flower-like ZnO nanoparticles based on arginine-assisted aqueous solution method were performed. Techniques including UV–Vis, micro Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, elemental mapping, and SEM were used to record significant characterizations of synthesized materials for analysis. The outstanding surface controlled electrocatalysis of APAP at ZnO NPs/NH2-MWCNTs modified SPCE was evident from the well-defined redox peak currents observed at low potentials during electrochemical investigations. Moreover, the resultant ultra-low detection limit of 1 nM and very high sensitivity of 89.64 μA μM−1cm−2 showcase the excellent performance of proposed APAP sensor. We have investigated all the salient features of the APAP sensor as part of this work and it exhibited good stability, reproducibility, repeatability, and excellent anti-interference property. The practical feasibility of APAP detection was also evaluated by conducting experiment on real samples including APAP tablet, human urine, and human serum.