Characterization and electrocatalytic behaviour of glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel nanoparticles towards amitrole detection

• Nickel nanoparticles were synthesized and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode.
• The modified electrode was employed for the detection of amitrole.
• The electrode showed better electrocatalysis than when nickel phthalocyanine was employed.

We report on the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) and their application in electrocatalysis in comparison with nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc). UV–vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance were used in the characterization of NiNPs. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used in electrocatalytic studies of amitrole on the glassy carbon electrode modified with NiNPs. The apparent and catalytic rate constants for amitrole on the NiNP-GCE were found to be 2.58 × 10−5 cm s−1 and 1.11 × 103 M−1 s−1, respectively.

Cyclic voltammetry showed that Ni nanoparticles are better electrocatalysts towards the oxidation of amitrole than when nickel phthalocyanine or a mixture of the two are employed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also confirmed the results of cyclic voltammetry.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide