Pd–Au nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotube as a sensing layer on the surface of glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical determination of ceftazidime

A simple electrodeposition method is employed to construct a thin film modifier of palladium–gold nanoparticles (Pd–AuNPs) decorated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Morphology and property of Pd–AuNPs–MWCNT have been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical performance of Pd–AuNPs–MWCNT/GCE for detection of ceftazidime (CFZ) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). This nanostructured film modified electrode effectively exhibited enhanced properties for detection of ceftazidime (CFZ). The effects of various experimental variables such as, the amount of casted MWCNT, time and potential of deposition of metal nanoparticles and the pH of the buffered solution on the electrode response are optimized. The proposed electrode showed a linear dynamic range of 0.05–50 μM and the detection limit of 1 nM for the CFZ. The modified electrode successfully supports the sensitive detection of trace amounts of the CFZ in pharmaceutical and clinical preparations.