Sensitive voltammetric determination of diclofenac using room-temperature ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode

An ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes paste electrode (IL/CNTPE) has been fabricated using hydrophilic ionic liquid (n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate) as a binder. This electrode showed enhanced electrochemical response and strong analytical activity towards the direct electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac (DCF). The electron transfer coefficient, α, and charge transfer resistance (R _ct) of DCF at the modified electrode were calculated. Under optimal conditions at pH 7.0, the anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of DCF in the range of 0.5–300 μmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.2 μmol L^?1 (3σ). The interferences of foreign substances were investigated. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to check the applicability of the proposed sensor to the determination of DCF in real samples with satisfactory results.