Voltammetric determination of the endocrine disruptor diethylstilbestrol by using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a composite consisting of platinum nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A nanocomposite consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with Pt nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) was synthesized via an ionic liquid-assisted method. The composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. The results showed the Pt-NPs to be evenly deposited on the surface of the MWCNTs, with diameters ranging from about 2 nm to 3 nm. The nanocomposite was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode which then revealed a substantial catalytic activity for the oxidation of diethylstilbestrol (DES), best at a working potential of 0.73 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at pH 7. The electrochemical oxidation mechanism is discussed. The peak current in square wave voltammetry is linearly related to the concentration of DES in the 0.1 to 25 mu M range. The limit of detection (at an SNR of 3) is 12 nM.