Characterization and electrochemical response of sonogel carbon electrode modified with nanostructured zirconium dioxide film

A new modified carbon electrode was developed by coating sol–gel derived zirconium dioxide film on the top of graphite carbon electrode, which showed good electrochemical activity and reversibility in the redox process of catechol in acidic aqueous solution (0.1 M H2SO4), even in the presence of ascorbic acid (a common interferent). Good electrochemical behavior, including relatively small oxidation and reduction peak separation (ΔEp = 71 mV), improved sensitivity, and good operation stability and reproducibility, can be explained by specific physicochemical properties of sol–gel derived ZrO2 film. Such properties include robust and interconnected crystal network structure with high ZrO2 purity, relatively high BET surface area/pore volume, larger interfacial contact area and good adhesion between ZrO2 film and sonogel graphite carbon material. This study proved that zirconium dioxide film prepared by such a sol–gel route is a promising electrode material for the development of novel conducting electrodes based on sonogel graphite carbon for the detection of neurotransmitters.