Inexpensive carbon fiber rod electrodes (CFRE) in three diameters of 0.8 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm were used for voltammetric determination of 5-amino-6-nitroquinoline (5A6NQ) based either on its anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction using direct current voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. CFRE is based on carbon fiber rod, which consists of lengthwise oriented long carbon fibers coated from outer side by epoxy resin, connected to copper wire by conducting paint.
The electrode material is inexpensive, commercially available at very low cost and at various shapes and sizes and its surface is easy to regenerate. Electrochemical behavior of prepared electrodes was examined using typical model redox system potassium ferrocyanide in aqueous supporting electrolytes.
The best ratio between signal and noise was attained at CFRE with a 2 mm diameter. Practical applicability of these methods was demonstrated on the determination of 5A6NQ at CFRE-2 mm in model samples of drinking and pond water.
CFRE can serve as a good alternative to pencil electrodes or carbon paste electrodes especially in cathodic voltammetry.