Voltammetric determination of catechol using a sonogel carbon electrode modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide

Abstract

In this study, we investigate highly efficient sonogel carbon electrode (SGC/TiO 2) modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide synthesized via sol–gel method employing surfactant template for tailor-designing the structural properties of TiO 2. The stable SGC/TiO 2 electrode detects catechol, a neurotransmitter, in the presence of ascorbic acid, a common interferent, using cyclic voltammetry. A possible rationale for the stable catechol detection of SGC/TiO 2 electrode is attributed to most likely the adsorption of catechol onto highly porous TiO 2 (surface area of 147 m 2 g −1 and porosity of 46.2%), and the formation of C 6H 4(OTi) 2 bond between catechol and TiO 2. The catechol absorbed onto TiO 2 rapidly reaches the SGC surface, then is oxidized, involving two electrons (e −) and two protons (H +). As a result, the surface of TiO 2 acts as an electron-transfer accelerator between the SGC electrode and catechol. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative detection of catechol, the SGC/TiO 2 electrode developed here meets the profitable features of electrode including mechanical stability, physical rigidity, and enhanced catalytic properties.