This paper describes the electrochemical preparation of highly electrochemically active and conductive activated graphene oxide (aGO). Afterwards, the electrochemical properties of aGO was studied towards the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC). This aGO is prepared by the electrochemical activation of GO by various potential treatments. The resultant aGOs are examined by various physical and electrochemical characterizations. The high potential activation (1.4 to -1.5) process results a highly active GO (aGO(1)), which manifest a good electrochemical behavior towards the determination of HQ and CC. This aGO(1) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was furnished the sensitive detection of HQ and CC with linear concentration range from 1 to 312 mu M and 1 to 350 mu M. The aGO1 modified SPCE shows the lowest detection limit of 0.27 mu M and 0.182 mu M for the HQ and CC, respectively. The aGO(1) modified SPCE reveals an excellent selectivity towards the determination of HQ and CC in the presence of 100 fold of potential interferents. Moreover, the fabricated disposable aGO(1)/SPCE sensor was demonstrated the determination of HQ and CC in tap water and industrial waste water. (C) Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.