DC Sputtered Ultralow Loading Gold Nanofilm Electrodes for Detection of As (III) in Water

This study investigates the use of DC sputtering, physical vapor deposition as a facile method for creating ultralow loading, Au/C electrodes in detection As (III) water. The sputtered nanofilm on carbon papers, substantially reduces amount Au consumed per electrode, <10 μg cm−2, compared to wire, foil, or screen-printed electrodes. Linear stripping voltammetry (LSV) was chosen analytical simplicity and ease automation. Electrodes using nanoparticles supported Vulcan XC 72 R were also investigated but not viable LSV analysis due capacitive current charging high surface area carbon. sputtered, used create calibration curves concentrations between 5 50 l−1 standard addition water sample with 5.5 total As. Peak areas plotted against concentration displayed strong linear correlation meaningful below USEPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) 10 l−1. To our knowledge, this is first which utilizes mass manufacturable sputtering produce sensing results have implications development single use, low-cost field electroanalysis.