Rapid electrochemical detection of ferulic acid based on a graphene modified glass carbon electrode

Abstract

A graphene nanosheet modified glassy carbon electrode (GN/GCE) is proposed as a voltammetric sensor for ferulic acid with good sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility. The sensor oxidizes ferulic acid in a surface-confined and quasi-reversible process, as revealed by cyclic voltammetry. The results show more favorable electron transfer kinetics than for a bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The linear response of the sensor is from 5 × 10⁻⁷ to 5 × 10⁻⁵ M with a detection limit of 2 × 10⁻⁷ M (S/N = 3). Graphene, as a single nanosheet, shows more favorable electrochemical activity and should be a more robust and advanced carbon electrode material, which provides a promising platform for electrochemical sensors and biosensors. The method was successfully applied to the detection of ferulic acid in pharmaceutical tablets with satisfactory results.