Nickel hydroxide nanopetals: One-pot green synthesis, characterization and application for the electrocatalytic oxidation and sensitive detection of montelukast

Nickel hydroxide nanopetals were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method in one step in the presence of arginine as shape directing and pH adjusting agent. The nanopetals were then employed as the modifier of a carbon paste electrode. The kinetics of the charge transfer across the modified electrode/solution interface was studied and the modified electrode was employed to fabricate an amperometric sensor of montelukast. The mechanism and kinetics of the electrocatalytic oxidation of montelukast on the modified electrode surface, as a mediated electron transfer process by the high valence nickel species, were studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. An amperometric method was developed for determination of montelukast with a sensitivity of 36.54mAmol−1Lcm−2 and a limit of detection of 8.9μmolL−1. The method was used for the direct assay of montelukast in human serum samples and montelukast tablets. The sensor had the advantages of high electrocatalytic activity and sensitivity, and long-term stability toward montelukast.