Facile Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Black for Electroanalysis: Application to the Detection of Hydrazine

Abstract

Abstract Carbon black nanoparticles modified with palladium nanoparticles (Pd/CB) were prepared using a facile methodology. Stirring CB in an aqueous solution of palladium chloride was found to result in the spontaneous formation of Pd nanoparticles on the CB surface. The Pd/CB composite demonstrated high electrocatalytic activity towards hydrazine oxidation, with good stability and reproducibility. Three linear dynamic ranges of hydrazine determination were found between 5 µM and 50 mM. The limit of detection ( LOD ) for hydrazine was found to be 8.8 µM (based on 3 σ ). The sensitivity of unmodified CB to trace metal impurities present in certain common electrolytes is also noted.