Highly sensitive detection of hydrazine by a disposable, Poly(Tannic Acid)-Coated carbon electrode

We propose an electrochemical sensor based on the enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation exhibited on a functionalized poly(tannic acid) coating to detect hydrazine. Tannic acid, a naturally abundant and low-cost polyphenol, was enzymatically polymerized with horseradish peroxidase and subsequently adsorbed on a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode with a short incubation time (30 min). The fabrication method proved to be reproducible (4.2 % relative standard deviation), with the sensors displaying high sensitivity (7 × 10-3 μA mm-2 μM-1) and selectivity even in the presence of various common interfering agents. The low detection limit (100 nM) and robustness of the sensor demonstrated its suitability for environmental applications. It can be used to quantify hydrazine in tap and river water samples. •A simple and rapid screen-printed electrode functionalization method using poly(tannic acid) is designed.•Enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine on poly(tannic acid)-functionalized electrodes is demonstrated.•Highly sensitive detection of hydrazine in tap water and river water is achieved.