RESUMO
The field of nanomaterials has been expanding rapidly into many diverse applications within the last 20 years. With this growth, there is a significant need for new method development for the detection and characterization of nanomaterials. Understanding the physical properties of nanoscale entities and their associated reaction kinetics is crucial for monitoring their effect on environmental and human health, and in their use for practical applications. Nano-impact electrochemistry is a novel development in the field of fundamental electrochemistry that provides an ultrasensitive method for analyzing physical and redox properties of nanomaterials and their derivatives. This protocol focuses on the tools required for characterizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by nano-impact electrochemistry, the preparation of microelectrodes and the methodology needed for measurement of the AgNP redox activity. The fabrication of cylindrical carbon fiber as well as gold and platinum microwire electrodes is described in detail. The analysis of nano-impact electrochemistry for the characterization of redox active entities is also outlined with examples of applications.