Determination of 4-aminophenol using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a three-dimensionally ordered macroporous film of polycysteine

A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) film of polycysteine (poly-Cys) was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to result in a sensor for 4-aminophenol. The new electrode was used to study the behavior of 4-aminophenol by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. In comparison to a bare GCE and a GCE modified with poly-Cys without using template, this electrode displays a larger peak current which may be attributed to the structure of poly-Cys and the large surface area of the macroporous structure. The anodic peak current at a working voltage of 195 mV is linearly related to the concentration of 4-aminophenol in two concentration intervals: 0.02 to 20 μM and 20 to 200 μM, respectively. The detection limit is 8 nM (at an S/N ratio of 3). The method was successfully applied to the determination of 4-aminophenol in spiked water samples. A glassy carbon electrode modified with three-dimensionally ordered macroporous polycysteine film was developed to serve as a sensor for determination of 4-aminophenol. The modified electrode presents lower detection limit, wider linear range and long-term stability for the determination of 4-aminophenol.