An electrochemical biosensor for ascorbic acid based on carbon-supported PdNinanoparticles

Carbon-supported PdNi nanoparticles (PdNi/C) were synthesized using a novel synthetic route, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The overall metallic content (Pd+Ni) was 10% (w/w) and uniformly distributed in the carbon black (90%) matrix. The electrocatalytic performance of the PdNi/C modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was investigated for ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation, and showed better catalytic activity than an equal amount of commercially available palladium carbon catalyst. The oxidation potential of AA was negatively shifted to −0.05 V. The biosensor tolerated a wide linear concentration range for AA, from 1.0×10−5 M to 1.8×10−3 M (R=0.9973), with a detection limit of 0.5 μM (S/N=3). Our results demonstrate that PdNi/C nanomaterials have excellent AA sensing capability, including a fast response time, high reproducibility and stability, with great promise in the quantification of AA in real samples. These qualities make the Pd-based bimetallic catalysts promising candidates for amperometric sensing.

► Carbon-supported PdNi nanoparticles (PdNi/C) prepared. ► A novel synthetic route for PdNi/C preparation. ► The performance was better than Pd/C because of PdNi synergistic effects. ► PdNi/C was employed for ascorbic acid determination. ► High selectivity, good stability, wide linear range and high sensitivity.