Detection of H2O2 at the nanomolar level by electrode modified with ultrathin AuCu nanowires

Bimetallic AuCu nanowires (AuCuNWs) are synthesized via a facile water solution method at room temperature. Enhanced electrocatalytic activity is observed toward the oxidation of H2O2, which makes the AuCu nanowire, along with its unique catalytic properties, intriguing bifunctional mechanism, and surface atomic construction, a promising platform for the amplification of interfacing signal. A highly sensitive H2O2 biosensor is thus developed on the base of the as-prepared AuCuNW catalyst. A very low real determination limit (2.0 nM) was reached, and a linear range as wide as 5 orders of magnitude was demonstrated. In addition, a trace amount of H2O2, which was released from Raw 264.7 cells, was selectively detected, hinting at the possible applications for real-time quantitative detection of H2O2 in a biological environment.