Facile synthesis of graphene hybrid tube-like structure for simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid and tryptophan

In the present work, a tube-like structure of graphene hybrid as modifier to fabricate electrode for simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and tryptophan (Trp) was reported. The hybrid was synthesized by a simple method based on graphene sheets (GS) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) via π–π stacking interaction under ultrasonic condition. The combination of GS and PTCA could effectively improve the dispersion of GS, owing to PTCA with the carboxylic-functionalized interface. Comparing with pure GS or PTCA modified electrode, GS–PTCA displayed high catalytic activity and selectivity toward the oxidation of AA, DA, UA, and Trp. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry, different pulse voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the sensors. The experiment results showed that the linear response range for simultaneous detection of AA, DA, UA, and Trp were 20–420 μM, 0.40–374 μM, 4–544 μM and 0.40–138 μM, respectively, and the detection limits were 5.60 μM, 0.13 μM, 0.92 μM and 0.06 μM (S/N = 3). Importantly, the proposed method offers promise for simple, rapid, selective and cost-effective analysis of small biomolecules.

A tube-like structure of graphene hybrid (GS–PTCA) was synthesized via π–π stacking interaction, and was used as modifier to fabricate electrode for simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and tryptophan (Trp). SEM images of GS, PTCA and GS–PTCA were presented. Under the synergistic effects between GS and PTCA, the modified electrode displayed high catalytic activity and selectivity toward the oxidation of AA, DA, UA, and Trp.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A simple strategy for simultaneous detection of AA, DA, UA and Trp has been constructed.
► The tube-like structure of graphene hybrid (GS–PTCA) was synthesized.
► The GS–PTCA provided a selective interface for discrimination of AA, DA, UA and Trp.