RESUMO
Considering the importance of dopamine (DA) detection for neuroscience and disease diagnosis, herein, an electrochemical sensor for dopamine is described. It is based on the use of a Ni-Co-P nanostructure fabricated on nickel foam via electrode position from cobalt chloride and ammonium phosphate for 10 min. Time-dependent experiments show the transformation of Ni-Co-P nanoparticles to spheres. The resulting electrode display excellent electrochemical response to DA. Figures of merit include (a) a working potential of 0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl); (b) an electrochemical sensitivity of 5262 µA mM-1 cm-2; (c) a wide linear range (from 0.5 to 2350 µM), and (d) a 1 µM detection limit. The outstanding electrochemical performance is explained by the synergistic effects of large surface area, improved electron transfer, presence of free binders, and the presence of three active components (nickel, cobalt and phosphonium ion). Graphical abstract A Ni-Co-P nanostructure was electrodeposited on nickel foam to obtain an electrochemical sensor for amperometric determination of dopamine with outstanding performance.