Direct electrodeposition of gold nanotube arrays of rough and porous wall by cyclic voltammetry and its applications of simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid

Gold nanotube arrays of rough and porous wall has been synthesized by direct electrodeposition with cyclic voltammetry utilizing anodic aluminum oxide template (AAO) and polycarbonate membrane (PC) during short time (only 3 min and 2 min, respectively). The mechanism of the direct electrodeposition of gold nanotube arrays by cyclic voltammetry (CV) has been discussed. The morphological characterizations of the gold nanotube arrays have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was constructed by attaching gold nanotube arrays (using AAO) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical behavior of AA and UA at this modified electrode has been studied by CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The sensor offers an excellent response for AA and UA and the linear response range for AA and UA were 1.02 × 10− 7–5.23 × 10− 4 mol L− 1 and 1.43 × 10− 7–4.64 × 10− 4 mol L− 1, the detection limits were 1.12 × 10− 8 mol L− 1 and 2.24 × 10− 8 mol L− 1, respectively. This sensor shows good regeneration, stability and selectivity and has been used for the determination of AA and UA in real human urine and serum samples with satisfied results.

The schematic diagram of formation of Au nanotube arrays (a) and the stepwise procedure of the sensor (b).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Gold nanotubes array has been synthesized by cyclic voltammetry.
► The mechanism of deposition of gold nanotube has been discussed.
► A determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid was constructed by gold array.
► A satisfied determination of samples can be obtained by this sensor.