An OFF–ON detection method for copper(ii) ions using a AgAu-NG nanocomposite modified electrode

Abstract

An OFF–ON detection method for Cu²⁺ was developed at the AgAu bimetallic nanoparticle decorated nitrogen-doped graphene (AgAu-NG) nanocomposite modified electrode. The measurement was based on the copper-catalyzed oxidation of cysteamine (Cys) to regulate the oxidation peak current of Ag. In the absence of Cu²⁺, Cys can bind to the surface of AgAu-NG via the Ag–S or Au–S bond, thus leading to an obvious decrease of the oxidation peak current of Ag. However, in the presence of Cu²⁺, Cu²⁺ can greatly catalyze the oxidation of Cys by dissolved O₂ to form cystamine, which would fall off the surface of AgAu-NG nanocomposites, leading to the partial recovery of the oxidation peak current of Ag. With the increase in the concentration of Cu²⁺, the oxidation peak current of Ag in the presence of Cys increases accordingly. So, the concentration of Cu²⁺ can be measured. By using the optimum conditions, this method can detect Cu²⁺ concentrations down to 0.3 nM (S/N = 3) with a linear response range of 1 nM–1 mM. Furthermore, this method was applied to determine Cu²⁺ concentrations in river water samples and showed excellent analytical performance.