Synthesis of gold nanorods/nanobelts and their potent electrocatalytic properties toward ethanol oxidation

This paper describes surfactant-free and template-free synthesis of gold nanorods/nanobelts (Au-NRBs) using ciprofloxacin (CF) as a reducing/stabilizing agent (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic). Synthesized Au-NRBs were stable and easily soluble in water. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy are used for characterization of synthesized Au-NRBs. Indeed, synthesized Au-NRB-modified electrodes show high electrocatalytic properties toward oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution (0.1 M NaOH).