Development of a Glassy Carbon Paste Electrode Modified With a Copper Decorated Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Sensitive Vanillin Determination

Abstract

In this study, a novel electroanalytical platform for the sensitive quantification of vanillin, an essential flavouring substance widely utilized in various industries, is presented. The design of the platform involves the modification of a glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE) with copper nanoparticles decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The developed copper nanoparticles_decMWCNTs/GCPE modified electrode exhibited a wide linear range (2.5–320 nM) with a detection limit of 0.7 nM. Interference tests confirmed the selectivity of the electrode in determining vanillin in complex matrices. The analysis of commercial samples of vanillin demonstrated its accuracy, yielding 92–103% recovery for vanillin content in commercial products. Furthermore, the electrode′s performance was validated through a comprehensive comparison of the electrochemical method with a well-established high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The congruence between the electrochemical measurements and the HPLC data highlights its accuracy and shows its potential as a reliable alternative for vanillin quantification. The electrode′s exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy position it as a valuable analytical method in various applications, including food quality assessment and other industries requiring rapid and precise analytical methods.