A High‐sensitivity and Enzyme‐free Clenbuterol Sensor using SWCNT Arrays Prepared with a One‐pot Method Comprising Gold Nanoparticles and Cl⁻

Abstract

We describe a novel enzyme-free sensor for clenbuterol (CLE) prepared by a simple electrochemical method. A new method to detect clenbuterol hydrochloride was developed by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) arrays and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-Cl À complex. SWCNT arrays modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) was first prepared by one-pot method with cyclic voltammetry.Then AuNPs were deposited on the SWCNT arrays and complexed with a high concentration of chloride ions (0.1 mol/L). The asfabricated SWCNT arrays/AuNPs senor have showed an excellent sensitivity in CLE detection with lower detection limit (0.5 ng/L) and wider linear range (1-800 ng/L). Its high performance can be attributed to the high catalytic activity of SWCNT arrays and the special absorption of CLE on AuNPs. The surface morphology of the electrode was analyzed by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and SEM. This work offers a new method for the synthesis of SWCNT arrays and a novel avenue for CLE detection. The modified electrode was stable with 98.5 % of its initial current response after remained one month, it was used to detect CLE in human urine, animal tissues and food with satisfactory results.