Poly(BCB)/Au-nanoparticles hybrid film modified electrode: Preparation, characterization and its application as a non-enzymatic sensor

Abstract We report electrochemical preparation and characterization of poly-brilliant cresyl blue (Poly(BCB))/gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) modified electrode. The Poly(BCB)/Au-NPs modified electrode has been used as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) at lower potential (− 0.2 V). The Poly(BCB)/Au-NPs film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Uv–visible spectroscopy (Uv–vis) and cyclic voltammetry. We have observed that, Au-NPs attached glassy carbon electrode (Au-NPs/GCE) significantly enhanced the polymerization of BCB compared to bare GCE. The Poly(BCB) film was irreversibly attached onto the Au-NPs modified electrode, the resulting hybrid film modified electrode was electrochemically active in the pH range from 2 to 11. Attachment of Poly(BCB)/Au-NPs hybrid film on the electrode surface was confirmed by Uv–vis spectra. In addition, electrocatalytic properties of the Poly(BCB)/Au-NPs/GCE towards reduction of H 2 O 2 have been investigated, and it was found that the sensitivity, reduction potential as well as the corresponding detection limit were improved as compared to the voltammetric response of the Poly(BCB)/GCE and Au-NPs/GCE. Based on this study, a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for the determination of H 2 O 2 has been reported. Moreover, analysis of commercial H 2 O 2 samples was performed using the proposed method and satisfactory results were obtained.