Enhanced anti-interference on electrochemical detection of arsenite with nanoporous gold in mild condition

TLDR: In this paper, a high surface area nanoporous gold (np-Au) with a three dimensional, interconnected ligaments and nanoporous structure was developed for the electrochemical detection of arsenite [As(III) in 0.1m HAc-NaAc solution (pH 5.0) without using strong acidic electrolyte.

Abstract: Determination of arsenite [As(III)] without interference in mild condition is crucial for portably assessing arsenic contamination using electrochemical method. We have developed high-surface area nanoporous gold (np-Au) with a three dimensional, interconnected ligaments and nanoporous structure for the electrochemical detection of As(III) in 0.1 M HAc-NaAc solution (pH 5.0) without using strong acidic electrolyte. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) using the np-Au modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) confirms the successful detection of As(III) with almost no interference from some commonly coexisting ions. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the np-Au modified GCE exhibited approximately 10-fold enhancement as compared to Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) modified GCE. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applicable for analysis of As(III) in real water samples with satisfactory recoveries. The np-Au modified GCE shows enhanced anti-interference and excellent sensing performance may be attribute to its special surface structure and the fast transports of analytes and electron in the interface of electrode.