Single Carbon Fiber Decorated with RuO2 Nanorods as a Highly Electrocatalytic Sensing Element

Abstract

We demonstrate highly efficient electocatalytic activities of single crystalline RuO2 nanorods grown on carbon fiber (CF), i.e., RuO2 nanorod-CF hybrid microelectrode, prepared by a simple thermal annealing process from the Ru(OH)(3) precursor at 300 degrees C. The general electrochemical activity of a RuO2 nanorod-CF microelectrode represents faster electron transfer for the [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) couple than that of the bare CF microelectrode which are confirmed from the cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement. Also, the amperometric response for the H2O2 oxidation is remarkably facilitated at the RuO2 nanorod-CF microelectrode by not only the enlarged surface area but the high electrocatalytic activity of the RuO2 nanorod material itself. Furthermore, a single microelectrode of RuO2 nanorod-CF exhibits the superior tolerance to Cl- ion poisoning unlike Pt-based electrocatalysts, indicating the promising sensor candidate in physiological conditions.