Simple template-free solution route for the synthesis of Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanostructures and application for electrochemical determination three ?-blockers

Abstract

The synthesis of Cu(OH)2 nanoparticles in a solution phase has been realised with high yield at low cost by simply dropping ammonia solution into an aqueous solution of CuCl2 at ambient temperature. Furthermore, well-defined CuO nanostructures were produced by thermal dehydration of the as-prepared Cu(OH)2 nanostructures in the solid state. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were used to characterise the products. The electrochemical behaviour of three ?-blocker drugs on copper-oxide nanoparticle modified carbon paste electrodes was investigated. The modified electrodes showed excellent catalytic activity towards the oxidation of atenolol, carvedilol and propranolol in buffer solution. The linear concentration range of the proposed sensor for the atenolol, carvedilol and propranolol detection were 12-96, 5-37 and 10-104 ?M, respectively. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.