Simple synthesis of hierarchical AuPt alloy nanochains for construction of highly sensitive hydrazine and nitrite sensors.

Herein, a single-step co-reduction aqueous route was designed for preparation of hierarchical AuPt alloy nanochains, firstly using amprolium hydrochloride as a new stabilizing agent and structure-director. The morphology, structure, composition, and size of the products were characterized by a series of technique. The growth mechanism of AuPt nanochains was discussed in details. The AuPt nanochains modified glassy carbon electrode showed the improved analytical performances for determination of nitrite and hydrazine. The linear ranges of nitrite are 0.5-366.4μM and 466.4-2666.4μM for the two segments, and the detection limit is 0.03μM (S/N=3). The linear ranges of hydrazine are 5.0-116.4μM and 166.4-2666.4μM for the two segments, along with the low detection limit of 0.26μM (S/N=3). The performances of AuPt nanochains were superior to those of individual Pt and Au nanoparticles. It is ascribed to the specific hierarchical structures and synergistic effects of the bimetals.