Electrochemical characterization of nano-sized gold electrodes fabricated by nano-lithography

We report the lithographical fabrication of Au nanoelectrodes, with a geometrical surface area down to 160 nm × 1 μm. The geometrical surface area of the electrodes is verified using electron microscopy and by electrochemistry through the diffusion limited current of reversible redox couples. Moreover, the electrochemically active surface area of the electrodes is determined from the charges transferred in blank voltammetry. We believe these reproducible nanoelectrodes are well suited for use as probes in nano-electrochemistry research.

► Fabrication of nanoelectrodes using nanolithography. ► Determination of nanoelectrode geometric surface area using SEM and CV. ► Determination of real surface area using surface oxide stripping. ► Accurately measured surface areas down to 0.3 μm2.