Gold nanoparticle within the polymer chain, a multi-functional composite material, for the electrochemical detection of dopamine and the hydrogen atom-mediated reduction of Rhodamine-B, a mechanistic approach

Polymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles have been reported using an in situ chemical synthesis route where the gold nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed throughout the macromolecular chain and formed a uniform metal–polymer composite material. The surface properties of the composite material were characterized using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The electron transfer resistance (ETR) value of the resultant material was measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. By incorporating the gold nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, the ETR value of the composite material was decreased as compared with the pure polymer and showed the efficient catalytic performance for the electrochemical recognition of dopamine. The gold–polymer composite performed as a highly efficient material for the reduction of Rhodamine-B, which suggests that the reduction process was driven by the hydrogen atom transfer mechanism and catalyzed by the gold nanoparticles.