Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in 1991 by Iijima /1/ considerable effort has been made in demonstrating the unique properties of these materials. Carbon nanotubes display excellent chemical stability and a range of electrical conductivity /2,3/. They can be metallic or semiconducting, depending on tube diameter and chirality. Carbon nanotube surfaces show enhanced electron transfer rates when used as electrode in electrochemical reactions.
The interaction and electron exchange between redox-enzymes and nanocarbon has also attracted increasing attention. Typically, the enzymes are complicated and large molecules, with redox centers deeply inlaid within their structure. Hence it is difficult for enzymes to directly exchange electrons with the smooth surface of the electrode. Mediator molecules have previously been used to impose electron contact between redox enzymes and electrode surface.
In this paper we present a study of the electrochemical properties of herringbone carbon nanofibres in the presence of a redox system, potassium ferrocyanide. Carbon nanofibres, with diameter of approximately 250 nm, were prepared by a chemical vapour decomposition method (CVD), using ethylene as the carbon source. The purification process involved hydrochloric acid reflux, cycles of washing and finally filtration. We have used potassium ferrocyanide as a mediator in the construction of a glucose oxidase biosensor. The characteristics of this biosensor have been studied by amperometry, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy.



References

1. S.Iijima, Nature, 1991(354)56
2. E.W.Wong, P.E.Sheehan, C.M.Lieber, Science 1997(277)1971
3. B.I.Yakobson, R.E.Smalley, Am.Sci. 1997(85)324

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