Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of an ultrafine AuPt nanoalloy framework embedded in graphene towards epinephrine sensing.
A novel hierarchical nanoporous thin film of AuPt alloy embedded in graphene (AuPt@GR) was successfully synthesized through the self-assembly of ultrafine AuPt nanoparticles (~3nm) within GR sheets by means of a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) procedure without the use of any external organic capping agent and reducing agent. A binder-free sensor based on the AuPt@GR hybrid material was fabricated and its electrocatalytic activity was evaluated by using it to determine epinephrine (EP) in PBS solution (pH=7.4) and in human serum spiked PBS solution. Amperometric measurements of the sensor response showed an extremely low limit of detection (0.9nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3), high sensitivity (1628µAmM-1cm-2), wide linear detection range (1.5×10-9-9.6×10-6M), and negligible response to interferents. At the same time, the sensor also exhibited very long-term amperometric stability (4000s), cyclic voltammetric stability (500 cycles), good reproducibility, and highly accurate detection of EP in real samples. The excellent electrochemical performance was attributed to synergistic effects of Au, Pt, and GR as well as to the formation of a unique nanoporous structure that provided enhanced electrocatalytic activity, a highly electroactive surface, and fast mass transport. These results suggest strong potential of the AuPt@GR hybrids for use in biosensors and bioelectronic devices.
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Tran Duy
TD
Thanh
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Jayaraman
J
Balamurugan
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Nguyen Thanh
NT
Tuan
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Hun
H
Jeong
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Seung Hee
SH
Lee
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea.
Nam Hoon
NH
Kim
Advanced Materials Institute of BIN Convergence Technology (BK21 plus Global) & Dept. of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea; Carbon Composite Research Centre, Department of Polymer & Nanoscience and Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jhl@chonbuk.ac.kr.
Joong Hee
JH
Lee
D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002384:Catalysis; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D057230:Limit of Detection; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D000497:Alloys; D010984:Platinum; D006046:Gold; D006108:Graphite; D004837:Epinephrine
AuPt nanoalloy; Chemical vapor deposition; Electrocatalyst; Epinephrine sensing; Graphene; Nanoporous