Electrochemical methods present a promising platform for single particle and single molecule detection. It was recently found that single insulating nanoparticles can be observed by blocking electron transfer of a diffusing redox species to an ultramicroelectrode (UME). Using chronoamperometry, it is possible to detect the adsorption events of single nanoparticles at the UME. When an insulating nanoparticle strikes the electrode surface it blocks part of the electroactive area, resulting in a sudden decrease in the electrode current. The extent to which the UME surface properties affect the observed nanoparticle response is still unknown. This research aims to explore this relationship by comparing insulating nanoparticle collision data recorded using a solid Pt UME to new experiments using a Hg UME. Besides presenting the first ever use of a Hg UME in single insulating nanoparticle studies, this research will supply more information on how these nanoparticles absorb to the UME. Supplemental characterization of the electrodes using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry will also be presented.

Detection of single insulating nanoparticles at a mercury electrode

247th National Meeting (2014)

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