Preparation of ferrocene nanocrystals by the ultrasonic-solvent-substitution method and their electrochemical properties

Ferrocene nanocrystals are successfully prepared by the ultrasonic solvent-substitution method. Transmission electron microscopy images show that the average diameter of the nanocrystals is about (40 +/- 5)nm and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the products obtained have a high purity. The optical properties of the products are studied by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. UV/Vis spectra indicate that, compared with ferrocene bulk material, the nanospheres show an obvious blue shift. Cyclic voltammetry is used to test the electrocatalytic oxidation properties of the ferrocene nanospheres towards ascorbic acid on the glassy carbon electrode. The results show that the ferrocene-nanosphere-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits a better electrocatalytic effect than that modified by the ferrocene bulk material in phosphate buffer (pH 5.00). The important factors in the preparation of and a possible mechanism for the formation of ferrocene nanospheres is also discussed. The method could potentially be applied to the preparation of nanomaterials of other organometallic compounds.