Nanoporous Ge coated by Au nanoparticles for electrochemical application

We present an innovative device based on a nanoporous Ge electrode decorated by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A study aimed at obtaining the best AuNP deposition conditions, which allow the decoration of Ge walls with AuNPs, avoiding particles aggregation is reported.The performance of the electrode has been evaluated by the electrocatalytic reduction of iodoethane in acetonitrile solution, a model reaction in organic electrocatalysis.

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► The electrochemical deposition of AuNPs on Ge porous electrodes is achieved.
► AuNPs of 5 nm diameter, coating the inner pores of Ge nanostructures, are obtained.
► The material has promising application as electrochemical device.
► The optimized electrochemical deposition procedure is applied to Ge thin films.
► Iodoethane reduction occurs at potentials less negative than at classical electrodes.