Multifunctional poly(dopamine)-assisted synthesis of silver nano particles/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite: Toward electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide with enhanced sensitivity

This study describes a facile and effective polymer-assisted route to synthesis of structurally uniform and electrochemically active single-walled carbon nanotubes-poly(dopamine)-silver particles nanocomposite (SWCNTs-PDA-AgNPs). Poly(dopamine) used here serves as a multifunctional molecule for: (1) dispersing SWCNTs into an aqueous system, tethering Ag+ precursor onto SWCNT surfaces, then (2) reducing Ag+ to Ag to eventually on-spot grow AgNPs nanoparticles onto SWCNT, and (3) promoting the nanocomposite adhesion ability. The synthetic nanocomposite was found to possess a good electrocatalytic activity toward H2O2 reduction by remarkably enhancing the current response and decreasing H2O2 reduction over potential at -0.23 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is positive than most other electrocatalysts for H2O2 reduction. The excellent performance of H2O2 sensor can be ascribed to the synergy effects of the large surface-to-volume ratio and excellent electrocatalytic properties of SWCNTs and AgNPs, as well as the dispersing ability, reductive properties together with excellent adhesive of PDA. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.