Electrochemical observation of single palladium nanoparticle collision using electrocatalytic current amplification

Abstract

This paper provides a description of the electrochemical detection of single palladium nanoparticle (Pd-NP) collision on a carbon fiber ultra-microelectrode (CFUME) surface. The electrocatalytic current amplification (ECA) of hydrazine oxidation was done to observe the single Pd-NP collision. When Pd-NPs come into contact with an electrode, a blip current is produced. Each impact produces a unique current spike that represents the nanoparticle physical properties. Using the ECA method, estimation was made of the distribution of Pd-NPs with different sizes and their concentration in the analytical solution. It was shown that the amplitude and frequency of the blip currents produced through the nanoparticles collision at the CFUME surface were directly proportional to their radius and concentration in the analytical solution respectively.