Template electrodeposition of high-performance copper oxide nanosensors for electrochemical analysis of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

We report on the facile electrodeposition of copper nanostructures on graphite lead substrate using anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactant templates. Physical and electrochemical characterisation confirmed the influence of templates on the morphology and electrochemical catalytic activities of the copper electrodeposits. These electrodes were shown to be excellent electrocatalyst for the fast detection of hydrogen peroxide. A maximum sensitivity of 951.45μA/mM/cm2, LOD of 0.43μM, response time of <1s and a linearity in wide range of concentration from 1μM to 5mM were observed when sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as the template. While most of the previously reported sensors have advantages either on the facile synthesis or fast detection of analyte, our methodology enables preparation of the electrode within 120s and analysis within another 60s without any complicated procedure, thereby demonstrating one of the fastest and cost-effective method for hydrogen peroxide analysis with high sensitivity and selectivity.