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The use of nanoparticles in electroanalysis: a review

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Abstract

Nanoparticles can display four unique advantages over macroelectrodes when used for electroanalysis: enhancement of mass transport, catalysis, high effective surface area and control over electrode microenvironment. Therefore, much work has been carried out into their formation, characterisation and employment for the detection of many electroactive species. This paper aims to give an overview of the investigations carried out in this field. Particular attention is paid to examples of the advantages and disadvantages nanoparticles show when compared to macroelectrodes and the advantages of one nanoparticle modification over another. Most work has been carried out using gold, silver and platinum metals. However, iron, nickel and copper are also reviewed with some examples of other metals such as iridium, ruthenium, cobalt, chromium and palladium. Some bimetallic nanoparticle modifications are also mentioned because they can cause unique catalysis through the mixing of the properties of both metals.

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Notes

  1. In a recent paper Davies et al. have shown that the distance required in order to ensure diffusional independence for nanoparticles in an array has a more complicated dependence than 10r. Davies et al. demonstrate that the actual distance depends upon the radius of the nanoparticles, the diffusion coefficient of the active species and the scan rate employed. Calculations in the paper have shown that the minimum distance required can often be larger than 10r, depending on the voltammetric time scales employed [9].

  2. This is an extremely useful conceptual limit, contrasting with so called “progressive” nucleation despite attempts to discredit the notion [78, 79].

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  1. Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK

    Christine M. Welch & Richard G. Compton

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  1. Christine M. Welch
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Welch, C.M., Compton, R.G. The use of nanoparticles in electroanalysis: a review. Anal Bioanal Chem 384, 601–619 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-005-0230-3

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