Carbon black nanoparticles modified with palladium nanoparticles (Pd/CB) were prepared using a facile methodology. Stirring CB in an aqueous solution of palladium chloride was found to result in the spontaneous formation of Pd nanoparticles on the CB surface. The Pd/CB composite demonstrated high electrocatalytic activity towards hydrazine oxidation, with good stability and reproducibility. Three linear dynamic ranges of hydrazine determination were found between 5μM and 50mM. The limit of detection (LOD) for hydrazine was found to be 8.8μM (based on 3σ). The sensitivity of unmodified CB to trace metal impurities present in certain common electrolytes is also noted. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
