2D-Single-crystal hexagonal gold nanosheets for ultra-trace voltammetric determination of captopril

Two dimensional single-crystal hexagonal gold nanosheets (SCHGNSs) were prepared by microwave heating of a solution of HAuCl₄ in an ionic liquid. The SCHGNSs were characterized by field emission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The SCHGNSs were then used to modify a graphite paste electrode for voltammetric determination of the hypertension drug captopril (CAP). The modified electrode showed a well-defined oxidation peak (at 0.41 V vs. Ag/AgCl) at pH 7.0 using differential pulse voltammetry. Under the optimum conditions, the response is linear in the 2-400 nM and 4.0-50 μM CAP concentration range, and the detection limit (at S/N = 3) is 0.3 nM. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of CAP in pharmaceutical tablets and in spiked urine. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the preparation of single crystal hexagonal gold nanosheets and their use to modify a carbon paste electrode for ultra-trace voltammetric determination of the drug captopril.