In situ growth of silver nanoparticles on graphene quantum dots for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of H₂O₂ and glucose

Anal Chem. 2014 Jul 1;86(13):6689-94. doi: 10.1021/ac501497d. Epub 2014 Jun 10.

Abstract

We report a facile green approach for in situ growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). GQDs serve as both reducing agent and stabilizer, and no additional reducing agent and stabilizer is necessary. The GQDs/AgNPs hybrid exhibits a superior absorbance fading response toward the reduction of H2O2. A simple colorimetric procedure is thus proposed for ultrasensitive detection of H2O2 without additional chromogenic agent. It provides a record detection limit of 33 nM for the detection of H2O2 by the AgNPs-based sensing system. This colorimetric sensing system is further extended to the detection of glucose in combination with the specific catalytic effect of glucose oxidase for the oxidation of glucose and formation of H2O2, giving rise to a detection limit of 170 nM. The favorable performances of the GQDs/AgNPs hybrid are due to the peroxidase-like activity of GQDs.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Glucose / analysis*
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glucose Oxidase / metabolism
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / analysis*
  • Limit of Detection
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots / chemistry*
  • Silver / chemistry*

Substances

  • Silver
  • Graphite
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Glucose Oxidase
  • Glucose