Correlated Anodic-Cathodic Nanocollision Events Reveal Redox Behaviors of Single Silver Nanoparticles

We reported a novel method to real-time monitor the redox behaviors of single Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) at a Au ultramicroelectrode between oxidizing and reducing pulse potentials using the nanocollision electrochemical method. At fast pulse potentials, the instantaneous anodic-cathodic current transients of a single AgNP were observed for the electrooxidation of AgNP, followed by the electroreduction of the newborn silver oxide (AgO) NP in alkaline media via switching of redox potentials; however, only anodic oxidation signals of individual AgNPs were observed in neutral solution. Through this study, we have revealed the substantial different dynamic nanocollision electrochemical behaviors of single AgNPs on the electrode surface in various media. Our study offers a new view for clearly clarifying in situ tracking of the electron-transfer process of single NPs by correlating electrochemical oxidation and reduction behaviors with the complementary information.