A simple in-situ flame synthesis of nanocomposite (MWCNTs-Fe2O3) for electrochemical sensing of proguanil in pharmaceutical formulation

Multiwall carbon nanotubes incorporated with iron oxide nanoparticles (MWCNTs-iron oxide) were prepared using a cheap, facile in-situ flame synthesis method. The nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, and Raman spectroscopy. MWCNTs-iron oxide nanocomposite was used to fabricate a sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection and quantification of proguanil. The fabrication of the sensor was done by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with multiwall carbon nanotubes-iron oxide nanocomposite (MWCNTs-iron oxide). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to study the electrochemical oxidation of proguanil. The selectivity of the sensor was investigated in the presence of organic and inorganic interfering agents. Furthermore, spiked human urine samples and pharmaceutical formulation were used to evaluate the utility of the sensor. A detection limit of 1.96 × 10−8 M was obtained under optimum conditions. MWCNTs-iron oxide nanocomposite can, therefore, be used to fabricate electrochemical sensors for quality control purposes. [Display omitted] •A simple, novel and cost effective flame synthesis method for multiwall carbon nanotubes-iron oxide nanocomposite•MWCNTs-iron oxide nanocomposite exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for proguanil oxidation.•A limit of detection (LOD) of 1.96 × 10−8 M was obtained.•Proguanil was detected in spiked urine samples and pharmaceutical formulation.