Single step synthesis of gold–amino acid composite, with the evidence of the catalytic hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction, for the electrochemical recognition of Serotonin

•A single step route for the synthesis of gold–amino acid composite using IPCF approach.•The mechanism of the synthesis process has been nicely elucidated.•The composite formation mechanism is supported by the PCET reaction.•The composite material performed as an electro-catalyst for the detection of Serotonin.

A composite architecture of amino acid and gold nanoparticles has been synthesized using a generic route of ‘in-situ polymerization and composite formation (IPCF)’ [1] and [2]. The formation mechanism of the composite has been supported by a model hydrogen atom (H•≡H++e−) transfer (HAT) type of reaction which belongs to the proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. The ‘gold–amino acid composite’ was used as a catalyst for the electrochemical recognition of Serotonin.

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