Titanium nanoparticles (TiO2)/graphene oxide nanosheets (GO): an electrochemical sensing platform for the sensitive and simultaneous determination of benzocaine in the presence of antipyrine

Abstract

An effective electrochemical sensing platform for the simultaneous determination of benzocaine (BEN) and antipyrine (ANT) based upon titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO₂)/graphene oxide nanosheet (GO) bulk modified carbon paste electrodes (TiO₂–GO/CPE) is reported. The TiO₂–GO/CPE electrochemical sensing platform is found to exhibit linear ranges from 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M and 1.2 × 10⁻⁸ to 8.0 × 10⁻⁵ M for BEN and ANT, respectively. The TiO₂–GO/CPE sensor is explored towards the analysis of BEN and ANT in oral fluid (saliva) and pharmaceutical products. The synergy between the graphene oxide nanosheets and titanium dioxide nanoparticles results in a dramatic enhancement in the sensitivity of the sensor through a combination of increased surface area and improved electron transfer kinetics compared to other electrode alternatives. The fabricated TiO₂–GO/CPE exhibits high sensitivity and good stability towards the sensing of BEN and ANT and has the potential to be utilised as a clinical assay and QA in pharmaceutical products.