Application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with boron oxide nanoparticles in electrochemistry

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with boron oxide nanoparticles (B-MWCNTs) were synthesized onto oxidized silicon substrate upon decay of ethyl alcohol and boric acid in presence of catalyst by means of chemical vapor deposition technique. The B-MWCNTs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron energy loss spectroscopy. The B-MWCNTs were electrochemically studied using ferrocyanide/ferricyanide, [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) redox system in potassium chloride solution. Furthermore, the response of B-MWCNTs towards oxidation of acetaminophen (AC) to N-acetyl-p-quinoneimine (NAPQI) was also studied in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). The effect of boron oxide nanoparticles on electrochemical response of B-MWCNTs was probed. Therefore, B-MWCNTs were treated with hydrochloric acid for elimination of boron oxide nanoparticles and their electrochemical response towards [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) and AC/NAPQI redox systems was studied. The results demonstrate the strong influence of boron oxide nanoparticles on electrochemical response of B-MWCNTs.