Novel electrocatalytic system for the oxidation of methyl jasmonate based on layer-by-layer assembling of montmorillonite and phosphotungstic acid nanohybrid on graphite electrode

In this work, a novel phosphotungstic acid/neutral red intercalated montmorillonite composite (PTA/NR–MMT) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembling on a graphite electrode (GE). The PTA/NR–MMT/GE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic effect for the oxidation of alkylene group in methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The synergistic effect of the good conductivity and high adsorption capacity of MMT and the solid super-acidity of PTA was believed responsible for the high electrocatalytic activity of this nanohybrid. Under optimal working conditions, MeJA showed a wide calibration range of 5.0 × 10−7 to 8.0 × 10−5 M with a low detection limit of 2.0 × 10−7 M by using the derivative differential pulse voltammetry. This novel electrocatalytic system can be applied to the determination of MeJA in spikelet samples of rice.

► We prepare a phosphotungstic acid/neutral red intercalated montmorillonite (PTA/NR–MMT) nanocomposite.
► PTA/NR–MMT is used as highly active catalyst for the oxidation of alkylene group in methyl jasmonate (MeJA).
► PTA/NR–MMT nanohybrids can be used in the electrocatalytic oxidation of alkylene group-containing organics.
► MeJA contents in spikelet samples of rice are successfully determined.