Graphene-modified electrode. Determination of hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations

A gold electrode partially coated by graphene multilayer is developed and tested with respect to high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The effective use of conventional electrode materials for the determination of such an analyte by anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction is prevented by the occurrence of adsorptions fouling the electrode surface. This prevents reliable and repeatable voltammetric curves for being recorded and serious problems arise in quantitative analysis via amperometry. The gold-graphene electrode is shown to be effective in quantitative evaluation, by cathodic reduction, of hydrogen peroxide at concentration levels that are of interest in an industrial. Acid, neutral, and basic pH values have been tested through correct adjustment of a Britton Robinson buffer. The experiments have been performed both by cyclic voltammetry and with amperometry at constant potential in unstirred solution. The latter technique has been employed in drawing a calibration linear plot. In particular, the performances of the developed electrode system have been compared with those of both pure gold and pure graphene electrode materials. The bi-component electrode was more sensitive; co-catalytic action by the combination of the two components is hypothesised. The system is stable over many potential cycles, as checked by surface-enhanced Raman spectra recorded over time. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.