Simple electrodeposition of hierarchical gold-platinum nanothorns and their applications in electrocatalysis and SERS

• Hierarchical Au–Pt HTs were prepared by one-step electrodeposition, using N-methylimdazole as a growth-directing agent.
• This method was simple, facile and controllable, without any seed, template, or surfactant.
• Au–Pt HTs displayed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and better stability for EG oxidation.
• Au–Pt HTs were demonstrated as highly Raman-active substrates for glucose detection using 4-MBA as a Raman probe.

Hierarchical gold–platinum nanothorns (Au–Pt HTs) were prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by one-step co-electrodeposition of HAuCl4 and H2PtCl6 with the assistance of N-methylimdazole as a growth-directing agent. This method was simple, facile and controllable, without any seed, template or surfactant. The experimental parameters including the dosage of the precursors and N-methylimdazole, electrodeposition potential and time were investigated in details. Furthermore, the as-prepared Au-Pt HTs displayed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and better stability toward ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline media, compared with polycrystalline Au nanoparticles. Meanwhile, after self-assembly of 4-mercaptophenyl boronic acid (4-MBA), the functionalized Au–Pt HTs were explored for sensitive detection of glucose as highly Raman-active substrates.

Herein, hierarchical Au-Pt nanothorns were prepared by one-step electrodeposition with the assistance of N-methylimdazole as a growth directing agent. The as-prepared nanocrystals showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward EG oxidation and highly Raman-active substrates for glucose detection, using 4-MBA as a Raman probe.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide