C60 trianion-mediated electrocatalysis and amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide

Heterogeneous electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by C60 is reported for the first time. C60 is embedded in tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) film and is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Electrocatalytic studies show that the trianion of C60 mediates the electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 in aqueous solution containing 0.1 M KCl. Application of such film modified electrode as an amperometric sensor for H2O2 determination is also examined. The sensor shows a fast response within 1 s and a linear response is obtained (R = 0.9986) in the concentration range from 3.33 × 10−5 to 2.05 × 10−3 mol L−1 for H2O2, with the detection limit of 2 × 10−5 mol L−1 and the sensitivity of 1.65 μA mM−1. A good repeatability and stability is shown for the sensor during the experiment.