Analytical Applications of a Carbon Nanotubes Paste Electrode Modified with Copper Microparticles as Detector in Flow Systems

ALBERTO SÁNCHEZ ARRIBAS, MANUEL CHICHARRO, ESPERANZA BERMEJO, ANTONIO ZAPARDIEL, GUILLERMINA L. LUQUE, NANCY F. FERREYRA AND GUSTAVO A. RIVAS.

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2006 vol. 577 p. 183 - 183

font size="1" face="Times-Roman"> In this work we report on the successful use of a composite prepared by dispersion of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (1–5 michrom length, 20–50 nm diameter) and copper microparticles within mineral oil as detector for amino acids quantification in flow injection analysis and capillary  lectrophoresis. The resulting electrode displays a highly sensitive amperometric detection of amino acids, based on the copper dissolution facilitated by the strong activity of amino acids as ligands of Cu(II). The sensor makes possible the detection of amino acids, electroactive or not, at very low potentials (0.000 V) and physiological pH. A correlation between the sensitivity for the amino acids and the amount of copper within the composite is observed, demonstrating the importance of the metal in the sensor response. The best analytical performance is obtained for the electrode containing 12.0% (w/w) copper. The