Photovoltaic detection of hydrogen peroxide employing potassium ferricyanide as a catalyst in the chemiluminescence of luminol

Abstract

A photovoltaic measurement system is fabricated to detect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a solution based on the chemiluminescence of luminol with potassium ferricyanide and potassium hydroxide as catalysts. A silicon-based positive/intrinsic/negative (PIN) photodiode is employed to quantitatively measure the chemiluminescent light generated from luminol (5-amino-2, 3-dihydro-1, 4-phthalazinedione). Instead of the mixture of luminol and catalysts (MLC) contained in water, the MLC is prepared in powder form enabling H2O2 detectability at high concentration intended for agricultural applications. Unlike horseradish peroxidase (HRP), potassium ferricyanide (non-biomaterial) can be stored for a longer period at room temperature without being denatured and without any sophisticated equipment for cooling. For various H2O2 concentrations, the peak value, integration value and maximum slope of the output voltage are measured and are discussed in terms of complexity, linearity and measurement speed.