1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione adsorbed on carbon nanotubes: The electrochemistry and catalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid

► 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (pdon) is adsorbed on carbon nanotubes electrode (CNT) and shows reversible electrochemical behavior. ► Study on the redox reaction mechanism of pdon is achieved in broad pH media. ► The absorbed pdon exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA). ► Selective measurement of AA in the presence of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) is feasible at the pdon adsorbed CNT electrode.