Simple Electrodeposition of Dendritic Au Rods from Sulfite-Based Au(I) Electrolytes with High Electrocatalytic and SERS Activities

Fabrication of dendritic Au rod (DAR) structures on Au surfaces via a simple electrodeposition from sulfite-based electrolytes containing Au(I) has been demonstrated. Scanning electron microscopic images show that the DAR structures contain highly faceted star-shaped protrusions in sub-100 nm scale. Electrochemical and X-ray diffraction results reveal that the DAR structures retain high amount of (110) and (100) crystalline domains on their surfaces. The unique morphology and surface orientation of DAR provide high electrocatalytic activities for glucose oxidation and oxygen reduction and efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering activities.