Spontaneous Au electrodeposition on 3-D porous graphite for electrocatalytic applications

Electrodeposition of Au on 3-D porous graphite (PG) at different pH values was investigated through an electrogenerative process in 3 hours of operation of the system. In the pH range between 1 and 3, the deposition efficiency was highest. However, with concerns regarding passivation and corrosion, the optimum pH was 3. The Au particles were spontaneously deposited on the PG surface in metallic form. Electrogenerative deposition of Au on the PG surface can provide a free energy of − 1021 kJ mol− 1 and a simple, fast and clean method to prepare electrocatalysts. In this study, oxidation of glucose is reported as a potential application by the as prepared Au/PG electrocatalyst.

Graphical abstractThe electrogenerative deposition of Au particles onto the surface of porous graphite provided the Au/PG catalyst with high catalytic activity towards glucose oxidation. The obtained current density is 9.85 mA cm− 2. The applied electrogenerative method will provide a simple, cheap and easy way to produce an electrocatalyst with high catalytic activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Au/PG electrode is fabricated by a spontaneous electrodeposition method. ► The pH of the solution has significant effects on the rate of Au electrodeposition. ► PG as a 3-D material provides large surface area for electrocatalytic applications.