Optimization and analytical behavior of a morphine electrochemical sensor in environmental and biological samples based on graphite rod electrode using graphene/Co3O4 nanocomposite

In this research, a new sensor based on graphene/Co3O4 (Gr/Co3O4) nanocomposite was employed for elec-trochemically determination of morphine (MOR). The modifier was synthesized with a simple hydrothermal technique and well characterized using X-ray difraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) tools. The modified graphite rod electrode (GRE) was revealed a high electrochemical catalytic activity for the MOR oxidation and employed for the electroanalysis of trace MOR concentration by means of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. At the optimum experimental fac-tors, the resulting sensor offered a good response for MOR in the concentration range of 0.5-100.0 mu M with a detection limit of 80 nM. In addition, the modified electrode demonstrated an acceptable selectivity, stability and reproducibility. This assay was also provided a valid platform for the detection of MOR in environmental and biological samples with acceptable recoveries and RSD in the range of 97.2-102.8% and 1.7-3.4%, respectively. Taking to the simplicity, low cost and short analysis time, this approach is suggested for clinical, environmental and forensic testing of MOR.