Patent ID: 8808530
Filing Date: 2014-08-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of analyzing a sample using nanoparticle collision amplification at a surface modified electrode comprising the steps of: providing a sample chamber having at least 2 electrodes, wherein one or more of the at least 2 electrodes comprise a thin oxide film on the surface, wherein the thin oxide film has a thickness that inhibits an inner sphere reaction of the at least 2 electrodes and allows collisions of one or more nanoparticles; combining one or more metal nanoparticles with a liquid sample comprising at least one reactant within the sample chamber; wherein the at least one reactant comprises sodium borohydride (NaBH contacting the one or more metal nanoparticles with the thin oxide film and the at least one reactant; generating one or more electrocatalytic properties at the thin oxide film by the oxidation or reduction reaction between the one or more nanoparticles, the reactant and at least one of the at least 2 electrodes wherein the one or more electrocatalytic properties are selected from at least one of electrical current, potential, charge, impedance, light, and color; and observing one or more electrocatalytic properties that are unique properties that correlate to a nanoparticles particle size.