In this study, a graphene sample (EGr) was synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods in electrolyte solution containing 0.1 M ammonia and 0.1 M ammonium thiocyanate. The morphology of the powder deposited onto a solid substrate was investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The SEM micrographs evidenced large and smooth areas corresponding to the basal plane of graphene as well as white lines (edges) where graphene layers fold-up. The high porosity of the material brings a major advantage, such as the increase of the active area of the modified electrode (EGr/GC) in comparison with that of bare glassy carbon (GC). The graphene modified electrode was successfully tested for L-tyrosine detection and the results were compared with those of bare GC. For EGr/GC, the oxidation peak of L-tyrosine had high intensity (1.69 × 10-5 A) and appeared at lower potential (+0.64 V) comparing with that of bare GC (+0.84 V). In addition, the graphene-modified electrode had a considerably larger sensitivity (0.0124 A/M) and lower detection limit (1.81 × 10-6 M), proving the advantages of employing graphene in electrochemical sensing.
Keywords: L-tyrosine; electrochemical exfoliation; graphene-modified electrode.