Single Potential Scan Methods for Nanoporous Gold Formation on Ultramicroelectrode Surfaces

Nanoporous gold (NPG) has been extensively investigated because of their applications. Here, we report a straightforward method for the preparation of NPG on micrometer-scale electrodes. Well-defined NPG structures were formed on Au surfaces by a single potential scan within 100 seconds. This method is applied to Au surfaces with small dimensions regardless of the electrode geometry, whereas it is not applicable to conventional millimeter-scale electrodes. The effects of electrode sizes and scan rates on NPG formation were systematically examined, and the amperometric glucose detection with 20-mu L sample volumes using an ultramicroelectrode (UME) with NPG surfaces was demonstrated.

Automated summary

The study presents a straightforward method for preparing NPG on micrometer-scale electrodes and shows that this method is not limited by electrode geometry. The experiment also demonstrates efficient glucose detection using a UME with NPG surfaces.