A novel electrochemical sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Cu–MWCNT nanocomposites for determination of hydroquinone

A new electrochemical sensor based on copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was fabricated for the determination of hydroquinone (HQ). A type of spotty-like Cu NP located on MWCNT (Cu–MWCNT) nanocomposites was synthesized with a microwave-assisted method. The morphology and phase of Cu–MWCNTs nanocomposite were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed to characterize the electrochemical performance and surface characteristics of the as-prepared sensor. The composite electrode exhibited excellent activity with increased electrochemical signals towards the redox of HQ, owing to the synergistic effect of Cu NPs and MWCNTs. Under the optimized conditions, the linear response range was from 0.10 to 100 μM for HQ. The detection limit for HQ was as low as 0.04 μM. Moreover, the modified electrode presented a good reproducibility and excellent anti-interference performance. The performance of the developed sensor for the detection of HQ was evaluated in practical samples with satisfying results.