A new sensor for determination of nalbuphine using NiO/functional single walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite and ionic liquid

•The first sensor for determination of nalbuphine base on modified carbon paste electrode.•Synthesis of NiO/functional single walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite.•Application of ion liquid to improve the characteristics of electrode.•Investigation of electrochemical behavior of nalbuphine on modified electrode.•Determination of nalbuphine in urine and serum samples.

Using a NiO/functional single walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite incorporated with ionic liquid (IL/NiO/CNT/CPE), we prepared a sensitive and selective sensor for determination of nalbuphine (NA). Nalbuphine is a semi-synthetic analgesic drug. Electrochemical investigations showed that the nanocomposite had catalytic effect on oxidation of nalbuphine and enhanced the oxidation current. This modified electrode had linear dynamic range from 0.2 to 500.0 μmol L−1 NA with detection limit of 0.07 μmol L−1 NA. Selectivity of the sensor has been studied and proposed method has been applied for determination of nalbuphine in biological samples.