Preparation and characterization of Ni(II)/polyacrylonitrile and carbon nanotube composite modified electrode and application for carbohydrates electrocatalytic oxidation

A nickel(II) into porous polyacrylonitrile–carbon nanotubes composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Ni/PAN-CNT/GCE) was fabricated by simple drop-casting and immersing technique. The unique electrochemical activity of Ni/PAN-CNT composite modified glassy carbon electrode was illustrated in 0.10 M NaOH using cyclic voltammetry. The Ni/PAN-CNT/GCE exhibits the characteristic of improved reversibility and enhanced current responses of the Ni(III)/Ni(II) couple compared with Ni/PAN/GCE and Ni/CNT/GCE. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicated the successful immobilization for PAN-CNT composite film. Kinetic parameters such as the electron transfer coefficient, α, and rate constant, ks, of the electrode reaction were determined. Ni/PAN-CNT/GCE also shows good electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose, fructose, and sorbitol). The electrocatalytic response showed a wide linear range (10–1,500, 12–3,200, 7–3,500, and 16–4,200 μM for glucose, sucrose, fructose, and sorbitol, respectively) as well as its experimental limit of detection can be achieved 6, 7, 5, and 11 μM for glucose, sucrose, fructose, and sorbitol, respectively. The modified electrode for carbohydrates determination is of the property of simple preparation, good stability, and high sensitivity.