Sensitive electrochemical detection of nitrobenzene based on macro-/meso-porous carbon materials modified glassy carbon electrode

A sensitive electrochemical sensor for nitrobenzene (NB) detection has been developed based on macro-/meso-porous carbon materials (MMPCMs). MMPCMs were prepared by pyrolysis of the ionic-liquid ([AEIm]BF4) polymer (PIL) pre-wrapped onto SiO2 microspheres and then removal of the silica core. The morphology and structure of MMPCMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. Owing to the macro-/meso-porous structure, large specific surface area and accumulation effect of MMPCMs, the MMPCMs modified glassy carbon (MMPCMs/GC) electrode has high catalytic activity towards the reduction of NB. At the optimal pH value and accumulation time, the resulted electrochemical sensor shows satisfactory analytical performance for NB detection. The linear response range is from 0.2 μM to 40 μM and the detection limit is 8 nM based on the signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Moreover, the MMPCMs/GC electrode exhibits good stability and reproducibility, and acceptable selectivity.