Gold Nanoframe Array Electrode for Straightforward Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

The nanostructuring of a sensing membrane is performed through colloidal nanosphere lithography (NSL) techniques with a tiny polystyrene nanobead template 100 nm in size. The solvent ratio adjustment has been proven to be effective in assisting the monolayer deposition of small templating particles with minimal defects. Two distinct structures, namely, a billowy gold nanostructure (BGN) where the nanobead template is left unetched and a gold nanoframe array (GNA) with a regular ring-like structure after template removal, are used for the extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) electrodes. The GNA structure generates an electroactive surface area significantly (~20%) larger than its geometrical area as well as a greater surface roughness than the BGN. When integrated with the portable constant voltage–constant current (CVCC) FET circuitry for pH screening to determine the optimized measurement conditions for H2O2 sensing, the GNA sensing membrane also shows more improved Nernstian sensitivity at ~50 mV/pH than the BGN electrode. The more optimized sensitivity is then proven using the GNA in the detection of H2O2, the most common representative reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the environment, food, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson´s and Alzheimer´s diseases. The GNA electrode has a sensitivity of 70.42 mV/log µM [H2O2] and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.183 µM H2O2. The integrated ion sensing system employing unique, highly ordered gold array gate electrodes and a portable CVCC circuit system has shown a stable real-time output voltage signal, representing an alternative to bulky conventional FET devices for potential on-site H2O2 detection.