Polymer Membrane Stabilized Gold Nanostructures Modified Electrode and Its Application in Nitric Oxide Detection

Nafion polymer/gold nanostructures film that can be utilized as a proficient electrochemical sensor for nitric oxide was prepared by an electrochemical process, forming the gold nanostructures (Au-nano) through infiltration into a Nation (Nf) matrix preassembled on an electrode. The formation of gold nanostructures was monitored by the in situ spectroelectrochemical method. The in Situ absorption spectra of Au-nano showed systematic and uniform formation of gold nanostructures at the Nafion (Nf-Au-nano)-modified electrode. The electrochemically formed Nt-Au-nano was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and electrochemical techniques. The surf-ace plasmon absorption spectra recorded for the wet and dry Nf-Aunano composite film showed the interaction between the gold nanostructures and the swelled polymer matrix. The longitudinal surface plasmon hand and the TEM images observed for the Nf-Au-nano showed the formation of nanorod-like and Y-shaped gold nanostructures in the Nation matrix. In addition to the nanoparticles, the edge-to-edge interactions lead to the formation of I D assembly. The electrical communication between the gold nanostructures embedded in the Nation film improved the electrocatalytic properties of the modified electrode toward NO detection. The Nf-Au-nano electrode showed excellent sensitivity for NO detection with the experimental detection limit of 1 nM. The present Nf-Au-nano electrode is very simple to fabricate and is stable, sensitive, and reproducible.