Enzyme/gas-diffusion electrodes for determination of phenol

An enzyme/gas diffusion electrode for the determination of phenol concentration is investigated comprising a new type of porous hydrophobic carbon electrode (made from acetylene black treated with PTFE by a special technology) on which enzyme tyrosinase is immobilized. In the enzyme/gas-diffusion electrode the oxygen needed for the enzymatic reaction can be transported in gas phase from the air through the porous hydrophobic carbon electrode to the immobilized enzyme. It is shown that the fast O-2 supply in the gas phase results in an increase of the amperometric signal of the phenol electrode and an enlargement of the linear part of its calibration curve. The described phenol enzyme/gas-diffusion electrode is applied also for monitoring of phenol vapour.