The determination of acetaminophen using a carbon nanotube: graphite-based electrode

Abstract

The oxidation of acetaminophen was studied at a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and a graphite paste. Cyclic voltammety, differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry at various pH values, scan rates, and the effect of the ratio of nanotubes to graphite were investigated in order to optimize the parameters for the determination of acetaminophen. Square wave voltammetry is the most appropriate technique in giving a characteristic peak at 0.52 V at pH 5. The porous nanostructure of the electrode improves the surface area which results in an increase in the peak current. The voltammetric response is linear in the range between 75 and 2000 ng.mL−1, with standard deviations between 0.25 and 7.8%, and a limit of detection of 25 ng.mL−1. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of acetaminophen in tablets and biological fluids.