title: Basal plane pyrolytic graphite modified electrodes: comparison of carbon nanotubes and graphite powder as electrocatalysts.
abstract: The oxidations of NADH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are studied using carbon nanotube and graphite powder-modified basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes. Immobilization is achieved in two ways: first, via abrasive attachment of multiwall carbon nanotubes or graphite powder by gently rubbing the electrode surface on a fine quality paper supporting the desired material; second, via "film" modification from dispersing either graphite powder or nanotubes in acetonitrile and pipeting a small volume onto the electrode surface and allowing the solvent to volatilize. While electrocatalytic behavior of both types of nanotube-modified electrodes is shown, with enhanced currents and reduced peak-to-peak separations in the voltammetry in comparison with naked basal plane pyrolytic graphite, similar catalytic behavior is also seen at the graphite powder-modified electrodes. Caution is, therefore, suggested in assigning unique catalytic properties to carbon nanotubes.
authors.affiliation: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Craig E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Compton