Electrochemical study of Azathioprine at thin carbon nanoparticle composite film electrode

Thin carbon nanoparticle/Nafion film (CNP/N), as a novel electrode material, is formed on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode in a simple solvent evaporation process. The electrochemical behavior of Azathioprine (Aza) at the CNP/N-modified electrode is investigated in detail by the means of cyclic voltammetry. During the electrochemical reduction of Aza, an irreversible cathodic peak is appeared. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that the reduction process has an irreversible and adsorption-like behavior. The observed reduction peak is attributed to a four-electron process referring to the reduction of nitro group to the corresponding hydroxylamine. The prepared electrode showed an excellent catalytic activity toward the electro-reduction of Aza leading to a significant improvement in sensitivity as compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode where the electrochemical activity for this compound is very weak.