Potentiostatic electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles: variation of electrocatalytic activity toward four targets

The unique electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have made them solid choice for the preparation of electrochemical sensors or fuel cells. Electrodeposition is a promising technique to prepare supported AuNPs. The aim of this contribution is to explore the effect of deposition parameters on electrocatalytic activity of AuNPs. The potentiostatic electrodeposition of AuNPs on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) from acidic solution containing gold(III) chloride trihydrate was performed. The effect of deposition potential and deposition time on the morphology, and surface area of the ultimate AuNP-modified GCE (AuNPs/GCE) were studied in detail. It was found that the nucleation process of AuNPs was controlled by deposition potential while the particle growth process was mainly controlled by the deposition time. At the same time, the electrocatalytic activity of AuNPs/GCE toward the electrochemical oxidation or reduction of nitrite, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and p-nitrophenol was investigated. AuNPs/GCE demonstrated different variation trend with the alteration of the deposition parameters. These results provided a reference for the further application of AuNPs.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of deposition parameters on the electrocatalytic activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their performance in various oxidation or reduction reactions. The nucleation and growth processes of AuNPs were found to be controlled by deposition potential and deposition time, respectively, providing insights for further applications of AuNPs.