Synthesis of (Ti0.5V0.5)3C2 as Novel Electrocatalyst to Modify Carbon Paste Electrode for Measurement of Propranolol in Real Samples

Abstract

(Ti_0.5V_0.5)₃AlC₂ is prepared via ball-milling Ti, V, Al, and C precursor powders with mole ratio of 1.5 : 1.5 :1.1 : 1.9 followed by sintering the obtained fine powder at 1400°C for 20 min under argon atmosphere. The morphology and structure of products are characterized by using XRD and SEM techniques. Then Al is chemically etched from synthesized (Ti_0.5V_0.5)₃AlC₂ by immersing in 40% HF solution at room temperature for 20 h. The resulting suspension is centrifuged to separate the powder and washed severely with distilled water. Resulting (Ti_0.5V_0.5)₃C₂ is used as a new modifier for preparation of carbon paste electrode. Modified electrode based on (Ti_0.5V_0.5)₃C₂ shows a good performance for measurement of propranolol concentration in pharmaceutical formulation. The detection limit and the relative standard deviation for n = 5 are 0.16 μmol/L and 4%, respectively.