Electrochemical synthesis of Ag nanoparticles supported on glassy carbon electrode by means of p-isopropyl calix[6]arene matrix and its application for electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2

The silver nanoparticles were prepared on the glassy carbon (GC) electrode, modified with p-iso propyl calix[6]arene, by preconcentration of silver ions in open circuit potential and followed by electrochemical reduction of silver ions. The stepwise fabrication process of Ag nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The prepared Ag nanoparticles were deposited with an average size of 70 nm and a homogeneous distribution on the surface of electrode. The observed results indicated that the presence of calixarene layer on the electrode surface can control the particle size and prevent the agglomeratione and electrochemical deposition is a promising technique for preparation of nanoparticles due to its easy-to-use procedure and low cost of implementation. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that Ag nanoparticles had a good catalytic ability for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The effects of p-isopropyl calix[6]arene concentration, applied potential for reduction of Ag+, number of calixarene layers and pH value on the electrocatalytic ability of Ag nanoparticles were investigated. The present modified electrode exhibited a linear range from 5.0 × 10−5 to 6.5 × 10−3 M and a detection limit 2.7 × 10−5 M of H2O2 (S/N = 3) using amperometric method.

► Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of glassy carbon electrode by templating method. ► We used p-isopropyl calix[6]arene as a convenient template for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. ► Ag nanoparticles showed good electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 reduction.