Abstract
Low-dimensional nanoparticles composed SnO2-Co3O4 nanocubes (NCs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method using reducing agents. The doped nanomaterials were investigated by UV/vis, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. They were deposited on a silver electrode (AgE, surface area, 0.0216 cm(2)) to give a drug sensor with a fast response towards Olmesartan medoxomil (OSM) in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer-phases. The sensor also exhibits higher sensitivity, long-term stability, and enhanced electrochemical response. The calibration plot is linear (r(2)=0.9948) over the 0.28 nmol L-1-1.4 mu M OSM concentration range. The sensitivity is similar to 2.083 mu A cm(-2) mmol L-1 and the detection limit is 0.17 nmol L-1 (at an SNR of 3). We discuss the possible potential uses of this nanoparticles doped semiconductor NCs in terms of drug sensing, which could also be employed for the determination of drugs in quality control of formulation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.