An electrochemical sensor for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) was developed by electrodeposition of Pt-Fe(III) nanoparticle on a glassy carbon electrode. This sensor exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of NO. A Nafion membrane coating was used to avoid the interference of nitrite and other potential interferences which may co-exist with NO in the biological systems. The effect of scan number in the electrodeposition process and the behavior of the sensor with respect to bulk pH have been studied. The catalytic peak current is found to be linear with the NO concentration over a wider range of 8.4 x 10(-8) to 7.8 x 10(-4) M, with a detection limit of 1.8 x 10(-8) M (s/n = 3). In addition, the sensor has also good stability and anti-interference ability. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.