Electrochemical analysis of ascorbic acid using copper nanoparticles/polyaniline modified glassy carbon electrode

The electrosynthesis of polyaniline (PANI) film has been achieved on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in a novel ionic liquid medium by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV). Then a copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) film was in situ electrochemically deposited on the surface of PANI/GCE. Electrochemical behavior and surface characteristics of the Cu-NPs/PANI/GCE were studied using cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results confirmed the presence of PANI and Cu-NPs on the electrode surface. Cu-NPs were highly dispersed and firmly stabilized by surface attachment of the PANI, which was prepared in ionic liquid and strongly attached to the electrode surface. The Cu-NPs/PANI/GCE showed excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) under weakly basic conditions. Amperometry was carried out to determine the concentration of AA at 0.2 V, and a good linear concentration range from 0.005 to 3.5 mM was found. The Cu-NPs/PANI composite film on GCE surface showed good reproducibility and stability.