Layer-by-Layer AuNPs-SiPy+/Prussian blue nanoparticles modified electrodes: characterization and electrocatalytic effects

This paper reports the electrocatalytic properties of layer by layer (LbL) films formed by gold nanoparticles stabilized in propylpyridinium silsesquioxane polymer (AuNPs-SiPy+) as polycation, and prussian blue nanoparticles (PB) as polyanion with synergistic effect in the H2O2 reduction. Under optimized synthesis conditions by factorial design, the TEM images of gold nanoparticles showed spherical shape with diameter ranging from 2 to 35 nm. All modified electrodes with inorganic materials were explored by spectroscopy (UV-Vis and FTIR) and electrochemical techniques (Cyclic Voltammetry, Chronoamperometry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy). We demonstrated that the presence of gold nanoparticles greatly enhanced the electroactive properties of the multilayer films providing interesting electrochemical features and excellent sensitivity in the electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide, compared to electrode containing only the silsesquioxane polymer as cationic polyelectrolyte.