March 1, 2012
Journal Article

Preparation and Characterization of Au-ZrO2-SiO2 Nanocomposite Spheres and Their Application in Enrichment and Detection of Organophosphorus Agents

Abstract

Au-ZrO2-SiO2 nanocomposite spheres were synthesized and used as selective sorbents for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of orananophosphorous agents. A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on an Au-ZrO2-SiO2 modified electrode was developed for selective detection of orananophosphorous pesticides (OPs). The Au-ZrO2-SiO2 nanocomposite spheres were synthesized by hydrolysis and condensation of zirconia n-butoxide (TBOZ) on the surface of SiO2 spheres and then introduction of gold nanoparticles on the surface. Transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to characterize the formation of the nanocomposite sphere. Fast extraction of OP was achieved by Au-ZrO2-SiO2 modified electrode within 5 min via the specific affinity between zirconia and phosphoric group. The assay yields a broad concentration range of paraoxon-ethyl from 1.0 to 500 ng/mL with a detection limit 0.5 ng/mL. This selective and sensitive method holds great promise for the enrichment and detection of OPs.

Revised: March 8, 2012 | Published: March 1, 2012

Citation

Yang Y., H. Tu, A. Zhang, D. Du, and Y. Lin. 2012. Preparation and Characterization of Au-ZrO2-SiO2 Nanocomposite Spheres and Their Application in Enrichment and Detection of Organophosphorus Agents. Journal of Materials Chemistry 22, no. 11:4977-4981. PNNL-SA-85438. doi:10.1039/C2JM15129D