A gold electrode with a flower-like gold nanostructure for simultaneous determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid

We have developed a facile method for the preparation of a gold electrode modified with a flower-like gold nanostructure using potentiostatic electrodeposition. Its formation, morphology, and electrochemical properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The resulting nanostructures possess rough and enlarged surface areas and enable fast electron transfer in the selective and sensitive detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA) in phosphate-buffered saline without disturbance by common interferents. The differential pulse voltammetry anodic peak currents at approximately -0.03 V and 0.16 V are strongly enhanced in the presence of AA and DA, respectively. The electrode responds linearly to AA in the concentration range from 60 mu M to 500 mu M, with a limit of detection at 10 mu M. The respective data for DA are 1 mu M to 150 mu M, and the limit of detection is 0.2 mu M.