Enhanced host–guest electrochemical recognition of herbicide MCPA using a β-cyclodextrin carbon nanotube sensor

An electrochemical sensor for the determination of the chlorophenoxy herbicide MCPA has been developed, based on a combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with incorporated β-cyclodextrin and a polyaniline film modified glassy carbon electrode. The proposed molecular host–guest recognition based sensor has a high electrochemical sensitivity for the determination of MCPA. The electrochemical behaviour of MCPA at the chemically modified electrode was investigated in detail by cyclic voltammetry. The results indicate that the β-CD/MWCNT modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of MCPA with high sensitivity, stability and lifetime. The analytical characteristics of this film were used for the quantitative determination of MCPA in natural waters. Cyclic voltammetry in phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.0, allowed the development of a method to determine MCPA, without any previous steps of extraction, clean-up, or derivatization, in the range of 10–100μmolL−1, with a detection limit of 0.99μmolL−1 in water. The results were statistically compared with those obtained through an established high-performance liquid chromatography technique, no significant differences having been found between the two methods. ► New sensor combining MWCNT, β-cyclodextrin and a polyaniline film. ► The proposed sensor has a high electrochemical sensitivity for determination of MCPA. ► The modified electrode developed exhibited high stability and lifetime. ► This sensor was used for the quantitative determination of MCPA in natural waters.