Amyloid fibril-supported Pd nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide reduction

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were fabricated by using insulin amyloid fibrils (INSAFs) as biotemplates. Atomic force microscopy measurements showed that ultra-small Pd NPs were well adsorbed and dispersed on surfaces of INSAFs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the partial reduction of Pd ion into metallic Pd(0) probably due to the presence of Cys groups on surface of the insulin fibrils. The electrochemical performance of Pd/INSAFs to reduction of H 2 O 2 was further evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The remarkably high electrocatalytic activity, low detection limitation and excellent stability make the Pd/INSAFs a promising bio-nanoelectrocatalyst.