Electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine and its detection at carbon nanotube electrode modified with platinum

The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine (CySH) on platinum (Pt)/carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. CNTs used in this study were grown directly on graphite disk by chemical vapor deposition. Pt was electrochemically deposited on the activated CNT/graphite electrode by electroreduction of Pt(IV) complex ion on the surface of CNTs. Among graphite, CNT/graphite, and Pt/CNT electrodes, improved electrochemical behavior of CySH oxidation was found with Pt/CNT electrode. On the other hand, a sensitive CySH sensor was developed based on Pt/CNT/graphite electrode. A linear calibration curve can be observed in the range of 0.5 microM-0.1 mM. The detection limit of the Pt/CNT electrode is 0.3 microM (signal/nose=3). Effects of pH, scan rate, and interference of other oxidizable amino acids were also investigated and discussed. Additionally, the reproducibility, stability, and applicability of the Pt/CNT electrode were evaluated.