In situ immobilization of CuO on SiO2/graphite matrix, modified with benzimidazolium-1-acatate ionic liquid: Application as catechol sensor
By Khalid, Bilal; Rahim, Abdur; Gilani, Mazhar Amjad; Muhammad, Nawshad; Younus, Abdur Rehman; Tabassum, Sobia; Iqbal, Jibran; Alharthi, Abdulrahman I.
Published in Journal of Molecular Liquids
2018
Abstract
Carbon ceramic material (SiO2/C) was prepared using the sol-gel technique. Copper oxide was in situ synthesized on the pores of the matrix, to ensure homogenous distribution of the electroactive species in the matrix pores. To enhance the conductivity of material, the SiO2/C/CuO was modified with benzimidazolium-1-acetate ionic liquid. The surface area (SBET 432.56m2/g) and pore volume (0.90cm3/g) of the material were calculated from BET analysis. SEM images showed compactness of materials, having no phase segregation within the magnification used. The structure of ionic liquid was confirmed using NMR and FTIR analysis. The electrodes as a pressed disk fabricated from SiO2/C, SiO2/C/CuO, and SiO2/C/CuO/IL materials were tested as an electrochemical sensor for catechol determination. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has revealed that the SiO2/C/CuO/IL-based sensor assists the charge transfer owing to electron rich density, resonance, and conductance of ionic liquid structural moiety. SiO2/C/CuO/IL electrode exhibits excellent sensitivity, linear response range and low limit of detection (LOD) of 712?A?mol?1dm3cm?2, 0.2mM