Electrochemical detection of hydroquinone via arginine-functionalized tin oxide nanoparticle carbon paste electrode

In this work, a combustion approach was used to synthesise tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO 2 NPs), and various characterisation techniques were used to confirm their morphology, composition, and structure. The electrode was functionalized using arginine and modified with tin oxide for a carbon paste electrode, and subsequently applied for the voltammetric determination of hydroquinone (HQ). The improved electrical conductivity of the modified electrode enhanced its electrocatalytic performance, resulting in superior catalytic activity toward HQ detection. The deprotonation at 7.2 pH, with a diffusion-controlled mechanism of scan rate, offering a detection limit (LOD) of 2 nM for DPV and 9 nM for CV, was observed. The output of the approach, including sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity, and stability in the water sample containing HQ, was analysed. • The combustion approach was utilised for the preparation of tin oxide nanoparticles. • The detection of hydroquinone through voltammetric techniques of CV and DPV. • The two electrons and protons were carried out with a diffusion-controlled process. • The functionalized electrode was utilised for the detection of hydroquinone in a water sample.