Nanostructured Based Electrochemical Sensors

Abstract

In this work, we present some results concerning the electrochemical behavior of nanostructured-based electrochemical sensors. In particular, the attention has been focused on Pd and Cu nanowires for detection of hydrogen peroxide and NiO thin film or Ni@NiO core–shell nanowires for detection of mercury ions. Ordered array of Pd and Cu nanowires was obtained through displacement deposition reaction in a commercial polycarbonate membrane acting as a template. The method leads to stable nanostructured electrodes of Pd and Cu with high surface area. For the detection of mercury ions, we have fabricated a Ni/NiO electrochemical sensor, obtained by mild thermal oxidation of Ni-foil. Some results on Ni@NiO core–shell nanowires were also reported. The effect of oxidation time and temperature was studied in order to compare performances of the Ni@NiO nanowire array with those of NiO thin film. All samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS analysis. Electrochemical tests have been conducted in order to characterize specific electrode performance such as sensibility, selectivity, and accuracy. Highly satisfying results have been obtained.