Simple electrodeposition of hierarchical gold-platinum nanothorns and their applications in electrocatalysis and SERS

Hierarchical gold–platinum nanothorns (Au–Pt HTs) were prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by one-step co-electrodeposition of HAuCl 4 and H 2 PtCl 6 with the assistance of N -methylimdazole as a growth-directing agent. This method was simple, facile and controllable, without any seed, template or surfactant. The experimental parameters including the dosage of the precursors and N -methylimdazole, electrodeposition potential and time were investigated in details. Furthermore, the as-prepared Au-Pt HTs displayed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and better stability toward ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline media, compared with polycrystalline Au nanoparticles. Meanwhile, after self-assembly of 4-mercaptophenyl boronic acid (4-MBA), the functionalized Au–Pt HTs were explored for sensitive detection of glucose as highly Raman-active substrates.