Microwave-radiated synthesis of gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes composites and its application to voltammetric detection of trace mercury(II)

Gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes (Au-NPs/CNTs) composites were rapidly synthesized by microwave radiation, and firstly applied for the determination of trace mercury(II) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The structure and composition of the synthesized Au-NPs/CNTs nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Au-NPs/CNTs nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au-NPs/CNTs/GCE) exhibited excellent performance for Hg(II) analysis. A wide linear range (5 x 10-(10)-1.25 x 10(-6) mol/L) and good repeatability (relative standard deviation of 1.84%) were obtained for Hg(II) detection. The limit of detection was found to be 3 x 10(-10) mol/L (0.06 mu g/L) at 2 min accumulation, while the World Health Organization's guideline value of mercury for drinking water is 1 mu g/L, suggesting the proposed method may have practical utility. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.