Morphology controllable synthesis of monkshoodvine root-bark like carbon and its biosensing application

Abstract

Unique monkshoodvine root–bark like morphology carbon materials (MLC) have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Utilizing the merits of high surface area and good electron conductivity of the MLC, a layered biosensor designed by assembling the MLC, hemoglobin (Hb) and gold nanoparticles was further developed. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope showed that the morphology of carbon materials can be successfully controlled simply by moderating the initiator amount of precursor and reaction temperature. The results indicated that the MLC was formed at the reaction condition of 5 mg Ferrocene + 6 mL CCl₄ at 280 °C. Electrochemical methods, such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, were used to characterize the layered biosensor and its application for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Under optimized experimental condition, the linear range for the determination of H₂O₂ was 0.06 μM to 1.6 mM with a detection limit of 0.03 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the biosensor also showed a fast response (within 2 s) and high stability.