Hydrogen peroxide detection at electrochemically and sol-gel derived Ir oxide films

Ir oxide (IrOx) films, formed electrochemically on bulk Ir metal (Ir/IrOx) and also on sol-gel (SG) derived non-silica based nanoparticulate It, have been studied as material useful for the detection of hydrogen peroxide, with possible application as a glucose biosensor. H2O2 reduction and oxidation on Ir/IrOx and SG-derived IrOx films, deposited on various substrates such as Pt, It and GC, have been compared to the H2O2 behavior at the bare substrate. It was found that H2O2 reduction proceeds on the underlying electrode substrate, while H2O2 oxidation is independent of the nature of the substrate, therefore occurring via the IrOx film. The reactivity of IrOx towards H2O2 oxidation is similar to that seen at Pt, although IrOx has the additional advantages of excellent stability, insensitivity to common interfering substances, biocompatibility and a linear range of detection, up to at least 12 mM H2O2, At micromolar concentrations of H2O2, a second mode of detection, involving the catalyzed growth of IrOx films at It substrates, can be employed. These two methods of H2O2 analysis (oxidation/reduction and enhanced IrOx growth) can also be employed for glucose detection using IrOx-based glucose biosensors.