Electrochemical Determination of Tannins Using Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A novel chemically modified electrode is prepared on the basis of the attachment of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in the presence of a hydrophobic surfactant. The electrochemical behavior of tannins at the MWNTs-modified GCE is investigated. Tannins yield a well-defined oxidation at about 0.30 V (SCE) at the MWNTs-modified GCE. MWNT-film shows remarkable enhancement effect on the oxidation peak current of tannins. The experimental parameters are optimized, and a direct electrochemical method to detect tannins is proposed. The oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of tannins over the range from 4 × 10^–7 to 2 × 10^–4 M, and the detection limit is 1 × 10^–7 mol/l after 5 min of accumulation. The relative standard deviation of 6% for determination of 2 × 10^–6 mol/l tannins indicates excellent reproducibility. The analysis method is demonstrated by using tea and Chinese gall samples.