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Gold leaf electrochemical sensors: applications and nanostructure modification.
Paithoon Prasertying1, Nanthatchaphon Jantawong2, Thitaporn Sonsa-Ard2
1Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand. dnacapricha@gmail.com and Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand and Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, 10900 Thailand.
This study introduces a novel, low-cost electrochemical sensor using gold leaf for detecting lead and copper. The sensor achieves high sensitivity, meeting drinking water standards and enabling rapid on-site analysis of gunshot residue.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Sensor Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Development of cost-effective and sensitive electrochemical sensors is crucial for environmental monitoring and forensic analysis.
- Existing methods for detecting heavy metals like lead and copper often require complex instrumentation and laboratory settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first planar three-electrode electrochemical sensor utilizing gold leaf as the working electrode.
- To demonstrate the sensor's efficacy for detecting lead and copper, including applications in water quality testing and gunshot residue analysis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a three-electrode sensor on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) adhesive sheet using gold leaf, printed/hand-drawn electrodes, and insulating layers.
- Modification of the gold leaf working electrode via electrodeposition of a gold network and gold nanoparticles.
- Performance evaluation using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and anodic stripping voltammetry.
Main Results:
- The sensor achieved a limit of detection for Pb(II) of 3.2 μg L⁻¹, which is below the regulatory limit for drinking water.
- Gold nanoparticle modification significantly enhanced sensitivity, lowering detection limits and improving simultaneous detection of lead and copper (6-fold increase in copper response).
- The sensor demonstrated durability for up to 200 cycles and enabled on-site identification of copper/lead in gunshot residue within 6 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The developed gold leaf-based electrochemical sensor offers a sensitive, cost-effective, and reusable platform for heavy metal detection.
- The sensor's performance and rapid on-site analysis capability make it suitable for environmental and forensic applications.
- Nanoparticle modification of the gold electrode is a viable strategy to enhance sensor performance for simultaneous multi-metal detection.
