Screening of several oxides used as efficient electrocatalysists for detection of 2,4-dimethyl phenol in aqueous medium

Abstract

A paste electrochemical sensor, based on a carbon paste electrode modified with different oxides, has been developed for investigation of 2,4-dimethylphenol (2,4 DMP) oxidation in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with pH of 7. In this study, Fe₂O₃, AI₂O₃, ZrO₂ and SiO₂ have been tested. Among these oxides, AI₂O₃ showed the best electrocatalysis on oxidation of2,4 DMP at ratio of graphite powder/AI₂O₃/Parana oil = 71/4/25. The high sensibility of AI₂O₃ for 2,4 DMP detection can be explained by the interaction between benzene rings of phenol and acid sites of AI₂O₃. From this result it opens a high potential application of sensors based on the electro acidic catalysts.