Core–shell hybrid nanomaterial based on prussian blue and surface active maghemite nanoparticles as stable electrocatalyst

• Published in: Biosensors & bioelectronics Vol. 52; pp. 159 - 165
• Main Authors: Magro, Massimiliano, Baratella, Davide, Salviulo, Gabriella, Polakova, Katerina, Zoppellaro, Giorgio, Tucek, Jiri, Kaslik, Josef, Zboril, Radek, Vianello, Fabio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 15.02.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biosensing Techniques - methods; Biotechnology; Carbon - chemistry; Catalysis; Ferric Compounds - chemistry; Ferrocyanides - chemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrogen Peroxide - chemistry; Hydrogen peroxide detection; Iron oxide; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanomaterial electrocatalysis; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanostructures - chemistry; Prussian blue; Superparamagnetic nanoparticles; Surface Properties; γ-Fe2O3; Superparamagnetic nanoparticles; Prussian blue; Iron oxide; Hydrogen peroxide detection; γ-Fe2O3; Nanomaterial electrocatalysis; Hydrogen peroxide; Nanoparticle; Hybrid; Iron; Nanomaterial; O; Electrocatalysis; γ-Fe; Detection; Nanotechnology; γ-FeO
• ISSN: 0956-5663; 1873-4235
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.08.052

A novel core–shell nanomaterial based on prussian blue (PB) coating on peculiar surface active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs), was developed. The synthetic process involves the direct crystallization of Fe(II)(CN)64− onto the surface of SAMNs by simple incubation in water at controlled pH, demonstrating the presence of under-coordinated Fe(III) on nanoparticle surface. The coating reaction occurs in a narrow pH range and the synthetic procedure was optimized. The resulting SAMN@PB hybrid nanostructures were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Mössbauer, UV–vis and FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The nanomaterial, characterized by high stability in alkaline media, behave as excellent electro-catalyst for hydrogen peroxide reduction. The stability of SAMN@PB hybrid has been investigated as a function of pH, showing excellent stability up to pH 9.0 and demonstrating the feasibility of SAMNs, superficially derivatized with prussian blue, to produce an efficient and extremely stable nanostructured material. This maghemite supported nanostructured prussian blue was applied to develop a sensor, based on a simple carbon paste electrode, which was able to catalyze the electro-reduction of hydrogen peroxide, in aqueous solutions, buffered at pH 7.0, at low applied potentials (0.0V vs. SCE). •Core–shell nanomaterial based on prussian blue coating on maghemite nanoparticles.•Optimization of the synthetic procedure of SAMN@PB hybrid as a function of pH.•Spectroscopic characterization of SAMN@PB hybrid nanostructures.•High pH stability of SAMN@PB hybrid electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide reduction.