Graphene modified gold electrode via π–π stacking interaction for analysis of Cu2+ and Pb2+

A gold electrode modified with graphene via non-covalent interaction for a chemical sensor is presented. The gold electrode was first modified with carboxylic acid functionalities, followed by the immobilization of pyrene groups via the esterification reaction. The freshly prepared graphene nanosheets were then attached on the electrode surface via π–π stacking interaction for the analysis of Cu2+ and Pb2+. The graphene modified gold electrode exhibited enhanced analytical sensitivity toward Cu2+ and Pb2+. The linear detection range for Cu2+ analysis is 1.5–20 nM and Pb2+ is 0.4–20 nM. Good reusability and repeatability were also observed.