Simultaneous detection of trace Ag(I) and Cu(II) ions using homoepitaxially grown GaN micropillar electrode

Driven by the motivation to quantitively control and monitor trace metal ions in water, the development of environmental-friendly electrodes with superior detection sensitivity is extremely important. In this work, we report the design of a stable, ultrasensitive and biocompatible electrode for the detection of trace Ag+ and Cu2+ ions by growing n-type GaN micropillars on conductive p-type GaN substrate. The electrochemical measurement based on cyclic voltammetry indicates that the GaN micropillars exhibit quasi-reversible and mass-controlled reaction in redox probe solution. In the application of trace Ag+ and Cu2+ determination, the GaN micropillars show superior sensitivity and excellent conductivity by presenting a detection limit of 3.3 ppb for Ag+ and 3.3 ppb for Cu2+. Comparative studies on the electrochemical response of GaN micropillars and GaN film in the simultaneous Ag+ and Cu2+ detection reveal that GaN micropillars show three orders of magnitude higher stripping peak current than GaN film. It is assumed that the microarray morphology with large active area and the hydrophilia nature of GaN micropillars are responsible for the excellent sensitivity. This work will open up some opportunities for GaN nanostructure electrodes in the application of trace metal ions detection. [Display omitted] •Highly aligned GaN micropillars have been homoepitaxially grown on GaN substrate.•The GaN working electrode provides sufficient active sites for ion detection.•The GaN micropillars exhibit enhanced response in trace Ag+ and Cu2+ ion detection.•The GaN micropillars show lower detection limit than GaN films.