Electrochemical rebuilding of pure gold surface into flower-like nanostructured gold films

• Published in: Materials letters Vol. 82; pp. 202 - 204
• Main Authors: Xu, Shili, Yao, Yuan, Li, Zelin, Zhang, Hefang, Huang, Fuli, Huang, Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Anodization; Anodizing; ascorbic acid; Carbon; chemical reduction; Electrocatalysis; electrochemistry; electrodes; Flower-like gold; glass; glucose; Gold; hydrogen peroxide; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; oxidation; potassium chloride; Rebuilding; Reduction (chemical); Roughness; Self assembly; Thin films; Three dimensional; Nanoparticles; Thin films; Electrocatalysis; Flower-like gold; Anodization; Rebuilding
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2012.05.068

A facile, green method has been developed to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) flower-like nanostructured gold film (FNGF) by anodization of pure gold substrate in a mixed solution containing potassium chloride (KCl) and ascorbic acid (AA). The formation of FNGFs might be related to three main interfacial processes: gold electrodissolution, chemical reduction of AuCl4−, and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The effects of step potentials and time on film roughness have also been investigated. The as-prepared 3D FNGF exhibits high electrocatalytic activities toward the glucose oxidation and hydrogen peroxide reduction in comparison with the Au NP modified glass carbon (GC) electrode. [Display omitted] ► 3D flower-like nanostructured gold films were fabricated by an anodization method. ► The fabrication involves the rebuilding of pure gold substrate. ► The effects of step potentials and time on film roughness have been investigated. ► The 3D FNGF exhibits high electrocatalytic activities.