This paper proposes a new type of solid-contact layer based on graphene/gold nanoparticles for ion-selective electrodes. A novel approach to preparing the material for intermediate layer by modifying the graphene flakes by gold nanoparticles is presented. With this approach, we observed a large surface area of material and in consequence high electrical capacitance of electrodes. We have obtained satisfactory results demonstrating that the modification of graphene with gold allows for enhancing electrical and wetting properties of carbon nanomaterial. Electrical capacitance of designed nanocomposite-contacted electrode equals to approximately 280 µF, which in consequence ensures great long-term potential stability defined by the potential drift of 36 μV/h. The modification of graphene with nanoparticles completely changed its wetting properties, as the designed material turned out to be hydrophobic with a water contact angle of 115°. Graphene/gold nanoparticles-contacted electrodes are insensitive to the changing light conditions, exhibiting near-Nernstian response in the potassium concentration range between 10-5.9 M and 10-1 M of K+ ions and may be applied in the pH range between 2 and 10.5.
Keywords: gold nanoparticles; graphene; high electrical capacity; hydrophobic material; potassium determination; potentiometric sensor.