The catalytic oxidation of hydrazine was investigated by a cobalt(II) bis (benzoylacetone) ethylenediimino multi wall carbon nanotube-modified carbon paste electrode (Co(II)BBAEDI-MWCNT-MCPE) as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor. The effect of variables such as pH and modifier percent on cyclic voltammograms peak current was optimized. The modified electrode showed very efficient electrocatalytic activity for anodic oxidation of hydrazine in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). Anodic peak potential of hydrazine oxidation at the surface of modified electrode shifts by about 500 mV toward negative values compared with that on the bare electrode. The diffusion coefficient and electron transfer coefficient of hydrazine were obtained using electrochemical approaches. The Co(II)BBAEDI-MWCNT-MCPE showed good reproducibility (RSD < 3.3%). The electrocatalytic current increased linearly with the hydrazine concentration in the range of 0.3-70.0 mu M and detection limit was 0.1 mu M. The effect of various interferences on the hydrazine peak current was studied. This method was applied to determine hydrazine in water samples. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.