The influence of the size and oxidation state of Au nanoparticles
(AuNPs) as electrocatalysts for the electro-oxidation of cellulose was
studied. Carbon paper electrodes modified with AuNPs were used as the
electrocatalysts for the electro-oxidation of cellulose dissolved in
1.3 m NaOH. The size and oxidation state
of the AuNPs were determined by using SEM, TEM, and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy. Both the size and the oxidation state of the AuNPs were
found to influence the electrocatalytic properties of the electrode, as
studied by using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The carbon paper electrodes
decorated with AuNPs (less than 25 nm) that consist of metallic Au gave
rise to a significantly higher electrocatalytic activity than a bare
polycrystalline Au electrode.