Title

Morphology of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles tethered to carbon nanotubes affects electrocatalytic activity for H 2 O 2 detection

Abstract

We describe the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and demonstrate their attachment to multiwalled carbon tubes, resulting in a composite with a unique synergistic effect. Morphology and size of ZnO nanostructures were controlled using hydrothermal synthesis, varying the hydrothermal treatment temperature, prior to attachment to carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for sensing applications. A strong dependence of electrocatalytic activity on nanosized ZnO shape was shown. High activity for H2O2 reduction was achieved when nanocomposite precursors with a roughly semi-spherical morphology (no needle-like particles present) formed at 90 °C. A 2.4-fold increase in cyclic voltammetry current accompanied by decrease in overpotential from the composites made from the nanosized, needle-like-free ZnO shapes was observed as compared to those composites produced from needle-like shaped ZnO. Electrocatalytic activity varied with pH, maximizing at pH 7.4. A stable, linear response for H2O2 concentrations was observed in the 1"“20 mM concentration range.

Department(s)

Biomedical Sciences
Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science
Chemistry and Biochemistry

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.02.028

Publication Date

2013

Journal Title

Electrochimica Acta

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