Three-Dimensional Copper Foam Supported CuO Nanowire Arrays: An Efficient Non-enzymatic Glucose Sensor

Fabrication of binary metal-organic frameworks of Ni-Mn@ZIFs(Cox·Zn1-xO) decorated on CF/CuO nanowire for high-performance electrochemical pseudocapacitors

Herein, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived nanoflower-like based binary transition metal (Ni-Mn) are successfully fabricated by a simple synthesis method. The fabricated nanoflower-like structure displays a unique nanoflower-like architecture and internal porous channels constructed by MOF coated on CuO/CF/ZIFs (Cox·Zn1-xO) substrate, which is beneficial for the penetration of electrolyte and electron/ion transportation. The as-prepared CF/CuO/ZIFs (Cox·Zn1-xO)@BMOF(Ni-Mn) electrode materials present significant synergy among transition metal ions, contributing to enhanced electrochemical performances. The as-prepared CF/CuO/ZIFs (Cox·Zn1-xO)@BMOF(Ni-Mn) hybrid nanoflower-like display a high specific capacity of 1249.99 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 and the specific capacitance retention is about 91.74% after 5000 cycles. In addition, the as-assembled CF/CuO/ZIFs (Cox·Zn1-xO)@BMOF(Ni-Mn)//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device exhibited a maximum energy density of 21.77 Wh·kg-1 at a power density of 799 W kg-1, and the capacity retention rate after 5000 charge and discharge cycles was 88.52%.

Road Map of Semiconductor Metal-Oxide-Based Sensors: A Review

Identifying disease biomarkers and detecting hazardous, explosive, flammable, and polluting gases and chemicals with extremely sensitive and selective sensor devices remains a challenging and time-consuming research challenge. Due to their exceptional characteristics, semiconducting metal oxides (SMOxs) have received a lot of attention in terms of the development of various types of sensors in recent years. The key performance indicators of SMOx-based sensors are their sensitivity, selectivity, recovery time, and steady response over time. SMOx-based sensors are discussed in this review based on their different properties. Surface properties of the functional material, such as its (nano)structure, morphology, and crystallinity, greatly influence sensor performance. A few examples of the complicated and poorly understood processes involved in SMOx sensing systems are adsorption and chemisorption, charge transfers, and oxygen migration. The future prospects of SMOx-based gas sensors, chemical sensors, and biological sensors are also discussed.

Boosting Electrochemical Catalysis and Nonenzymatic Sensing Toward Glucose by Single-Atom Pt Supported on Cu@CuO Core-Shell Nanowires

It is critical to develop high-performance electrocatalyst for electrochemical nonenzymatic glucose sensing. In this work, a single-atom Pt supported on Cu@CuO core-shell nanowires (Pt₁ /Cu@CuO NWs) for electrochemical nonenzymatic glucose sensor is designed. Pt₁ /Cu@CuO NWs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic oxidation toward glucose with 70 mV lower onset potential (0.131 V) and 2.4 times higher response current than Cu NWs. Sensors fabricated using Pt₁ /Cu@CuO NWs also show high sensitivity (852.163 µA mM^-1 cm^-2 ), low detection limit (3.6 µM), wide linear range (0.01-5.18 µM), excellent selectivity, and great long-term stability. The outstanding sensing performance of Pt₁ /Cu@CuO NWs, investigated by experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, is attributed to the synergistic effect between Pt single atoms and Cu@CuO core-shell nanowires that generates strong binding energy of glucose on the nanowires. The work provides a new pathway for exploring highly active SACs for electrochemical nonenzymatic glucose sensor.

Porous nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide-supported CuO@Cu2O hybrid electrodes for highly sensitive enzyme-free glucose biosensor

Constructing high-performance enzyme-free biosensors for detecting glucose is essential to preliminary diabetes diagnosis. Here, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO@Cu₂O NPs) were anchored in porous nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (PNrGO) to construct CuO@Cu₂O/PNrGO/GCE hybrid electrode for sensitive detection of glucose. Benefiting from the remarkable synergistic effects between the multiple high activation sites of CuO@Cu₂O NPs and the dramatic properties of PNrGO with excellent conductivity and large surface area with many accessible pores, the hybrid electrode possesses outstanding glucose sensing performance that is far superior to those of pristine CuO@Cu₂O electrode. The as-fabricated enzyme-free glucose biosensor displays prominent glucose sensitivity of 2,906.07 μA mM^-1 cm^-2, extremely low limit of detection of 0.13 μM, and wide linear detection of 3 μM-6.772 mM. In addition, excellent reproducibility, favorable long-term stability, and distinguished selectivity are obtained in the glucose detection. Importantly, this study provides promising results for continuous improvement of non-enzyme sensing applications.

Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes with Macroporous Copper Film for Enhanced Amperometric Sensing of Saccharides

A porous layer of copper was formed on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrodes via the colloidal crystal templating technique. An aqueous suspension of monodisperse polystyrene spheres of 500 nm particle diameter was drop-casted on the carbon tracks printed on the substrate made of alumina ceramic. After evaporation, the electrode was carefully dipped in copper plating solution for a certain time to achieve a sufficient penetration of solution within the polystyrene spheres. The metal was then electrodeposited galvanostatically over the self-assembled colloidal crystal. Finally, the polystyrene template was dissolved in toluene to expose the porous structure of copper deposit. The morphology of porous structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Electroanalytical properties of porous copper film electrodes were evaluated in amperometric detection of selected saccharides, namely glucose, fructose, sucrose, and galactose. Using hydrodynamic amperometry in stirred alkaline solution, a current response at +0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl was recorded after addition of the selected saccharide. These saccharides could be quantified in two linear ranges (0.2–1.0 μmol L⁻¹ and 4.0–100 μmol L⁻¹) with detection limits of 0.1 μmol L⁻¹ glucose, 0.03 μmol L⁻¹ fructose, and 0.05 μmol L⁻¹ sucrose or galactose. In addition, analytical performance of porous copper electrodes was ascertained and compared to that of copper film screen-printed carbon electrodes, prepared ex-situ by the galvanostatic deposition of metal in the plating solution. After calculating the current densities with respect to the geometric area of working electrodes, the porous electrodes exhibited much higher sensitivity to changes in concentration of analytes, presumably due to the larger surface of the porous copper deposit. In the future, they could be incorporated in detectors of flow injection systems due to their long-term mechanical stability.

Glucose sensing on screen-printed electrochemical electrodes based on porous graphene aerogel @prussian blue

As one of the three major chronic diseases, diabetes often causes many complications, which can affect various parts of the body and even threaten the life of the patients. At present, the situation of diabetes in the world is quite serious. Accurate detection of blood glucose is very important for the diagnosis, treatment and medication of diabetes as well as the self-management of diabetic patients. In this paper, an electrochemical glucose biosensor was developed based on screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with composite material of graphene aerogel (GA) and Prussian blue (PB) (denoted as GA@PB), which was fabricated via chemical reduction using L-ascorbic acid as a reducing agent through a freeze-drying process. Glucose was specifically captured by glucose oxidase (GOx) which were immobilized into the GA@PB by chitosan. The structure and performance of the sensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric detection. The sensor exhibited a linear range of 0.5-6.0 mmol·L^-1 with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.15 mmol·L^-1, indicating that the combination of graphene aerogel and Prussian blue possess well conductivity and catalytic performance.

Mo and Zn-Dual doped CuxO nanocrystals confined High-Conductive Cu arrays as novel sensitive sensor for neurotransmitter detection

The development of sensitive and selective sensors using facile and low-cost methods for detecting neurotransmitter molecules is a critical factor in the health care system in regard to early diagnosis. In this research, an electrocatalyst derived from Mo,Zn dual-doped Cu_xO nanocrystals-based layer coating over one-dimensional copper nanowire arrays (Mo,Zn-Cu_xO/CuNWs) was successfully designed using a facile electrodeposition approach and used as an electrochemical sensor for non-enzymatic dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter detection. The synergistic effect caused by the dual-doping effect along with its excellent conductivity produced a large electroactive surface area and an improved hetero-charge transfer, thereby boosting DA sensing ability with a low limit detection of 0.32 µM, wide-range of detection (0.5 µM - 3.9 mM), long-term stability (5 weeks), and high selectivity in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4). Also, the sensor accurately determined DA in real blood serum-spiked solutions. The achieved results evidenced that the Mo,Zn-Cu_xO/CuNWs derived sensor is highly suitable for DA detection. Therefore, it also opens new windows for the development of low-cost, accurate, high-performance, and stable sensors for other neurotransmitter sensing for the purposes of better health care and early diagnosis.

Fourth-generation glucose sensors composed of copper nanostructures for diabetes management: A critical review

More than five decades have been invested in understanding glucose biosensors. Yet, this immensely versatile field has continued to gain attention from the scientific world to better understand and diagnose diabetes. However, such extensive work done to improve glucose sensing devices has still not yielded desirable results. Drawbacks like the necessity of the invasive finger-pricking step and the lack of optimization of diagnostic interventions still need to be considered to improve the testing process of diabetic patients. To upgrade the glucose-sensing devices and reduce the number of intermediary steps during glucose measurement, fourth-generation glucose sensors (FGGS) have been introduced. These sensors, made using robust electrocatalytic copper nanostructures, improve diagnostic efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This review aims to present the essential scientific progress in copper nanostructure-based FGGS in the past 10 years (2010 to present). After a short introduction, we presented the working principles of these sensors. We then highlighted the importance of copper nanostructures as advanced electrode materials to develop reliable real-time FGGS. Finally, we cover the advantages, shortcomings, and prospects for developing highly sensitive, stable, and specific FGGS.

Fabrication of Cu(II) oxide-hydroxide nanostructures onto graphene paper by laser and thermal processes for sensitive nano-electrochemical sensing of glucose

Glucose electrochemical sensors based on nanostructures of CuO/Cu(OH)₂onto graphene paper were prepared by thermal (solid) and nanosecond pulsed laser (molten phase) dewetting of a CuO layer 6 nm thin deposited by sputtering. Dewetted systems, obtained without the use of any binder, act as array of nanoelectrodes. Solid state and molten phase dewetting produce nanostructures of copper oxide-hydroxide with different average size, shape and surface composition. Molten phase dewetting originates particles with size below 100 nm, while solid state dewetting produces particles with average size of about 200 nm. Moreover, molten phase dewetting produce drop-shaped nanostructures, conversely nanostructures derived from solid state dewetting are multifaceted. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization revealed that the surface of nanostructures is formed by a copper(II) species CuO and Cu(OH)₂. Shape of anodic branch of the cyclic voltammograms of glucose in alkali solution evidenced a convergent diffusion mechanism. Analytical performances in amperometric mode are as good as or better than other sensors based on copper oxide. Amperometric detection of glucose was done at potential as low as 0.4 V versus saturated calomel electrode by both types of electrodes. Linear range from 50μM to 10 mM, sensitivity ranging from 7 to 43μA cm^-2mM^-1and detection limit of 7μM was obtained. Good analytical performances were obtained by laser dewetted electrodes with a low copper content up to 1.2 by atoms percentage of the surface. Analytical performance of the proposed electrodes is compliant for the determination of glucose both in blood serum, saliva or tear.

A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Glucose Sensor Based on Room Temperature Exfoliated Graphite-Derived Film Decorated with Dendritic Copper

An ultrasensitive enzyme-free glucose sensor was facilely prepared by electrodepositing three-dimensional dendritic Cu on a room temperature exfoliated graphite-derived film (RTEG-F). An excellent electrocatalytic performance was demonstrated for glucose by using Cu/RTEG-F as an electrode. In terms of the high conductivity of RTEG-F and the good catalytic activity of the dendritic Cu structures, the sensor demonstrates high sensitivities of 23.237 mA/mM/cm², R² = 0.990, and 10.098 mA/mM/cm², R² = 0.999, corresponding to the concentration of glucose ranging from 0.025 mM to 1.0 mM and 1.0 mM to 2.7 mM, respectively, and the detection limit is 0.68 μM. In addition, the Cu/RTEG-F electrode demonstrates excellent anti-interference to interfering species and a high stability. Our work provides a new idea for the preparation of high-performance electrochemical enzyme-free glucose sensor.

Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Involving Copper: An Electrochemical Perspective

Non-enzymatic glucose sensors based on the use of copper and its oxides have emerged as promising candidates to replace enzymatic glucose sensors owing to their stability, ease of fabrication, and superior sensitivity. This review explains the theories of the mechanism of glucose oxidation on copper transition metal electrodes. It also presents an overview on the development of among the best non-enzymatic copper-based glucose sensors in the past 10 years. A brief description of methods, interesting findings, and important performance parameters are provided to inspire the reader and researcher to create new improvements in sensor design. Finally, several important considerations that pertain to the nano-structuring of the electrode surface is provided.

An intelligent face mask integrated with high density conductive nanowire array for directly exhaled coronavirus aerosols screening

The current ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has globally affected the lives of more than one hundred million people. RT-PCR based molecular test is recommended as the gold standard method for diagnosing current infections. However, transportation and processing of the clinical sample for detecting virus require an expert operator and long processing time. Testing device enables on-site virus detection could reduce the sample-to-answer time, which plays a central role in containing the pandemic. In this work, we proposed an intelligent face mask, where a flexible immunosensor based on high density conductive nanowire array, a miniaturized impedance circuit, and wireless communication units were embedded. The sub-100 nm size and the gap between the neighbored nanowires facilitate the locking of nanoscale virus particles by the nanowire arrays and greatly improve the detection efficiency. Such a point-of-care (POC) system was demonstrated for coronavirus 'spike' protein and whole virus aerosol detection in simulated human breath. Detection of viral concentration as low as 7 pfu/mL from the atomized sample of coronavirus aerosol mimic was achieved in only 5 min. The POC systems can be readily applied for preliminary screening of coronavirus infections on-site and may help to understand the COVID-19 progression while a patient is under prescribed therapy.

Recent Advances in Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensing

The detection of glucose is crucial in the management of diabetes and other medical conditions but also crucial in a wide range of industries such as food and beverages. The development of glucose sensors in the past century has allowed diabetic patients to effectively manage their disease and has saved lives. First-generation glucose sensors have considerable limitations in sensitivity and selectivity which has spurred the development of more advanced approaches for both the medical and industrial sectors. The wide range of application areas has resulted in a range of materials and fabrication techniques to produce novel glucose sensors that have higher sensitivity and selectivity, lower cost, and are simpler to use. A major focus has been on the development of enzymatic electrochemical sensors, typically using glucose oxidase. However, non-enzymatic approaches using direct electrochemistry of glucose on noble metals are now a viable approach in glucose biosensor design. This review discusses the mechanisms of electrochemical glucose sensing with a focus on the different generations of enzymatic-based sensors, their recent advances, and provides an overview of the next generation of non-enzymatic sensors. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials are key in propelling the field of glucose sensing, however, significant limitations remain which are highlighted in this review and requires addressing to obtain a more stable, sensitive, selective, cost efficient, and real-time glucose sensor.

Developments of the Electroactive Materials for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing and Their Mechanisms

A comprehensive review of the electroactive materials for non-enzymatic glucose sensing and sensing devices has been performed in this work. A general introduction for glucose sensing, a facile electrochemical technique for glucose detection, and explanations of fundamental mechanisms for the electro-oxidation of glucose via the electrochemical technique are conducted. The glucose sensing materials are classified into five major systems: (1) mono-metallic materials, (2) bi-metallic materials, (3) metallic-oxide compounds, (4) metallic-hydroxide materials, and (5) metal-metal derivatives. The performances of various systems within this decade have been compared and explained in terms of sensitivity, linear regime, the limit of detection (LOD), and detection potentials. Some promising materials and practicable methodologies for the further developments of glucose sensors have been proposed. Firstly, the atomic deposition of alloys is expected to enhance the selectivity, which is considered to be lacking in non-enzymatic glucose sensing. Secondly, by using the modification of the hydrophilicity of the metallic-oxides, a promoted current response from the electro-oxidation of glucose is expected. Lastly, by taking the advantage of the redistribution phenomenon of the oxide particles, the usage of the noble metals is foreseen to be reduced.

High rate fabrication of copper and copper-gold electrodes by laser-induced selective electroless plating for enzyme-free glucose sensing

In the current study, the method of Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) was used for the fabrication of metallic and bimetallic structures based on copper and gold on the surface of glass and glass-ceramics. It was shown that the fabricated electrodes are suitable for non-enzymatic detection of biologically essential analytes such as glucose. The implemented approach allows performing high-rate metallization of various dielectrics. Voltammetric methods were applied to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of the obtained structures, which were used as working electrodes. The most promising results were revealed by copper–gold electrode structures manufactured on glass-ceramics. For these structures, sensitivity towards glucose sensing was 3060 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². The linear range of glucose detection varied between 0.3 and 1000 μM. Besides, the manufactured electrodes exhibited high selectivity and long-term stability.

In the current study, the method of Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) was used for the fabrication of metallic and bimetallic structures based on copper and gold on the surface of glass and glass-ceramics.

Copper and Nickel Microsensors Produced by Selective Laser Reductive Sintering for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Detection

In this work, the method of selective laser reductive sintering was used to fabricate the sensor-active copper and nickel microstructures on the surface of glass-ceramics suitable for non-enzymatic detection of glucose. The calculated sensitivities for these microsensors are 1110 and 2080 μA mM⁻¹·cm⁻² for copper and nickel, respectively. Linear regime of enzymeless glucose sensing is provided between 0.003 and 3 mM for copper and between 0.01 and 3 mM for nickel. Limits of glucose detection for these manufactured micropatterns are equal to 0.91 and 2.1 µM for copper and nickel, respectively. In addition, the fabricated materials demonstrate rather good selectivity, long-term stability and reproducibility.

Facile Electrochemical Determination of Methotrexate (MTX) Using Glassy Carbon Electrode-Modified with Electronically Disordered NiO Nanostructures

Recently, the oxidative behavior of methotrexate (MTX) anticancer drug is highly demanded, due to its side effects on healthy cells, despite being a very challenging task. In this study, we have prepared porous NiO material using sodium sulfate as an electronic disorder reagent by hydrothermal method and found it highly sensitive and selective for the oxidation of MTX. The synthesized NiO nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. These physical characterizations delineated the porous morphology and cubic crystalline phase of NiO. Different electrochemical approaches have been utilized to determine the MTX concentrations in 0.04 M Britton-Robinson buffer (BRB) at pH 2 using glassy carbon electrode (GCE)-modified with electronically disordered NiO nanostructures. The linear range for MTX using cyclic voltammetry (CV) was found to be from 5 to 30 nM, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 1.46 nM and 4.86 nM, respectively, whereas the linear range obtained via linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was estimated as 15-90 nM with LOD and LOQ of 0.819 nM and 2.713 nM, respectively. Additionally, amperometric studies revealed a linear range from 10 to70 nM with LOD and LOQ of 0.1 nM and 1.3 nM, respectively. Importantly, MTX was successfully monitored in pharmaceutical products using the standard recovery method. Thus, the proposed approach for the synthesis of active metal oxide materials could be sued for the determination of other anticancer drugs in real samples and other biomedical applications.

A comparative electrochemical study of non-enzymatic glucose, ascorbic acid, and albumin detection by using a ternary mesoporous metal oxide (ZrO2, SiO2 and In2O3) modified graphene composite based biosensor

In this study, we present an electrochemical investigation of a ternary mesoporous metal oxide (ZrO2, SiO2 and In2O3) modified graphene composite for non-enzymatic glucose, ascorbic acid, and albumin detection in urine at physiological pH. Synergetic property of ZrO2-Ag-G-SiO2 and In2O3-G-SiO2 were investigated via cyclic voltammetry (CV) using FTO glass and copper-foil electrodes with no prerequisite of solid antacid expansion. The mesoporous ZrO2-Ag-G-SiO2 and In2O3-G-SiO2 composites were synthesized and characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, DRS, BET, and photocurrent measurements. Upon increasing the glucose concentration from 0 to 3 mM, CV results indicated two anodic peaks at +0.18 V and +0.42 V versus Ag/AgCl, corresponding to Zr3+ and Zr4+, respectively, considering the presence of glucose in urine. Moreover, the effects of high surface area In2O3-G-SiO2 were observed upon the examination of ZrO2-Ag-G-SiO2. In2O3-G-SiO2 demonstrated a decent electrochemical pattern in glucose, ascorbic acid, and albumin sensing. Nevertheless, insignificant synergistic effects were observed in In2O3-G, ZrO2-G, and ZrO2-G-SiO2. In2O3-G-SiO2 performed well under a wide range of electrolytes and urine, and showed no activity toward uric acid, suggesting potential for biodetection in urine.

Nanostructured Anodic Copper Oxides as Catalysts in Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Reactions

Recently, nanostructured copper oxides formed via anodizing have been intensively researched due to their potential catalytic applications in emerging issues. The anodic Cu2O and CuO nanowires or nanoneedles are attractive photo- and electrocatalysts since they show wide array of desired electronic and morphological features, such as highly-developed surface area. In CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) copper and copper-based nanostructures indicate unique adsorption properties to crucial reaction intermediates. Furthermore, anodized copper-based materials enable formation of C2+ hydrocarbons and alcohols with enhanced selectivity. Moreover, anodic copper oxides provide outstanding turnover frequencies in electrochemical methanol oxidation at lowered overpotentials. Therefore, they can be considered as precious metals electrodes substituents in direct methanol fuel cells. Additionally, due to the presence of Cu(III)/Cu(II) redox couple, these materials find application as electrodes for non-enzymatic glucose sensors. In photoelectrochemistry, Cu2O-CuO heterostructures of anodic copper oxides with highly-developed surface area are attractive for water splitting. All the above-mentioned aspects of anodic copper oxides derived catalysts with state-of-the-art background have been reviewed within this paper.

Ag nanosheets grown on Cu nanowire-based flexible films for sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensors

Cu nanowire (Cu NW) and Ag nanosheet (Ag NS) bimetallic nanocomposites were fabricated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) slice for non-enzymatic glucose sensing via a facile two-step approach, vacuum filtration, and galvanic displacement. Low-cost Cu NW-based conductive films were employed as the conductive substrates to substitute the traditional glassy carbon electrodes or indium tin oxide electrodes. The highly stable Ag NSs grow directly on the surface of Cu NWs without additional binders. The AgNO₃ concentration and displacement time were adjusted to control the consumption of Cu NWs and the growth of Ag nanostructures. With the large load of Ag and the great connection of Cu NWs, a high sensitivity of 2033 μA mM^-1cm^-2, a fast amperometric response of 2 s, a wide linear range of 0.0015-4.02 mM, and a satisfactory result in human serum analysis were obtained by this novel Ag NS/Cu NW/PET sensor. Especially the sensitivity of the sensor was over four-fold higher than that of pure Cu NWs/PET, benefiting from the synergistic effect of bimetals. Furthermore, the Ag NS/Cu NW/PET sensor demonstrated a stable amperometric signal against mechanical bending. The material holds promise to use to fabricate flexible electrochemical devices.

Non-Enzymatic Amperometric Glucose Sensor Based on Carbon Nanodots and Copper Oxide Nanocomposites Electrode

In this research work, a non-enzymatic amperometric sensor for the determination of glucose was designed based on carbon nanodots (C-dots) and copper oxide (CuO) nanocomposites (CuO-C-dots). The CuO-C-dots nanocomposites were modified on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the glucose sensor. The as-synthesized materials were further analyzed for physico-chemical properties through characterization tools such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); and their electrochemical performance was also studied. The SPCE modified with CuO-C-dots possess desirable electrocatalytic properties for glucose oxidation in alkaline solutions. Moreover, the proposed sensing platform exhibited a linear range of 0.5 to 2 and 2 to 5 mM for glucose detection with high sensitivity (110 and 63.3 µA mM-1cm-2), and good selectivity and stability; and could potentially serve as an effective alternative method of glucose detection.

Dewetted Gold Nanostructures onto Exfoliated Graphene Paper as High Efficient Glucose Sensor

Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensing was obtained by gold nanostructures on graphene paper, produced by laser or thermal dewetting of 1.6 and 8 nm-thick Au layers, respectively. Nanosecond laser annealing produces spherical nanoparticles (AuNPs) through the molten-phase dewetting of the gold layer and simultaneous exfoliation of the graphene paper. The resulting composite electrodes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy and Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry. Laser dewetted electrode presents graphene nanoplatelets covered by spherical AuNPs. The sizes of AuNPs are in the range of 10-150 nm. A chemical shift in the XPS Au4f core-level of 0.25-0.3 eV suggests the occurrence of AuNPs oxidation, which are characterized by high stability under the electrochemical test. Thermal dewetting leads to electrodes characterized by faceted not oxidized gold structures. Glucose was detected in alkali media at potential of 0.15-0.17 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE), in the concentration range of 2.5μM-30 mM, exploiting the peak corresponding to the oxidation of two electrons. Sensitivity of 1240 µA mM^-1 cm^-2, detection limit of 2.5 μM and quantifications limit of 20 μM were obtained with 8 nm gold equivalent thickness. The analytical performances are very promising and comparable to the actual state of art concerning gold based electrodes.

Rational Construction of 3D-Networked Carbon Nanowalls/Diamond Supporting CuO Architecture for High-Performance Electrochemical Biosensors

Tremendous demands for highly sensitive and selective nonenzymatic electrochemical biosensors have motivated intensive research on advanced electrode materials with high electrocatalytic activity. Herein, the 3D-networked CuO@carbon nanowalls/diamond (C/D) architecture is rationally designed, and it demonstrates wide linear range (0.5 × 10^-6 -4 × 10^-3 m), high sensitivity (1650 µA cm^-2 mm^-1 ), and low detection limit (0.5 × 10^-6 m), together with high selectivity, great long-term stability, and good reproducibility in glucose determination. The outstanding performance of the CuO@C/D electrode can be ascribed to the synergistic effect coming from high-electrocatalytic-activity CuO nanoparticles and 3D-networked conductive C/D film. The C/D film is composed of carbon nanowalls and diamond nanoplatelets; and owing to the large surface area, accessible open surfaces, and high electrical conduction, it works as an excellent transducer, greatly accelerating the mass- and charge-transport kinetics of electrocatalytic reaction on the CuO biorecognition element. Besides, the vertical aligned diamond nanoplatelet scaffolds could improve structural and mechanical stability of the designed electrode in long-term performance. The excellent CuO@C/D electrode promises potential application in practical glucose detection, and the strategy proposed here can also be extended to construct other biorecognition elements on the 3D-networked conductive C/D transducer for various high-performance nonenzymatic electrochemical biosensors.

In situ formation of metal-organic framework derived CuO polyhedrons on carbon cloth for highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensing

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered promising templates for the fabrication of nanostructured materials with high porosities and high surface areas, which are important parameters for enhanced performance in sensing applications. Here, a facile in situ synthetic strategy to construct MOF-derived porous CuO polyhedrons on carbon cloth (CC) is reported. Uniform Cu(OH)2 nanorods are first synthesized on carbon cloth, followed by the conversion of Cu(OH)2 nanorods into porous CuO polyhedrons via a copper-based MOF, Cu-BTC, as the intermediate species. When evaluated as a glucose sensing electrode, the as-fabricated CuO polyhedrons/CC composite exhibits a high sensitivity of 13 575 μA mM-1 cm-2 with a fast response time (t90) of 2.3 s and a low detection limit of 0.46 μM. This work exemplifies the rational fabrication of porous nanostructures on conductive substrates for enhanced performance in glucose detection.

A non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on a CoNi2Se4/rGO nanocomposite with ultrahigh sensitivity at low working potential

A CoNi₂Se₄–rGO nanocomposite fabricated on Ni foam shows excellent efficiency for non-enzymatic glucose sensing at low applied potential.

A Novel Glucose Biosensor Based on Hierarchically Porous Block Copolymer Film

Enzymatic biosensors are widely used in clinical diagnostics, and electrode materials are essential for both the efficient immobilization of enzyme and the fast electron transfer between the active sites of enzyme and electrode surface. Electrode materials with a hierarchically porous structure can not only increase the specific surface area but also promote the electron transfer, facilitating the catalysis reaction. Block copolymer is a good candidate for preparation of film with a hierarchically porous structure due to its unique characteristics of self-assembly and phase separation. In the current work, hierarchically porous block copolymer film containing both micropores and nanopores was prepared by spinodal decomposition induced phase separation. The resultant copolymer film was adopted as the electrode material to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx) for construction of an enzyme biosensor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle (CA) measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) were adopted to investigate the microstructure of the as-developed biosensor. Results demonstrated that the hierarchically porous block copolymer film offered a favorable and biocompatible microenvironment for proteins. These as-prepared glucose biosensors possessed a wide linear range (10⁻4500 μM), a low detection limit (0.05 μM), quick response (2 s), excellent stability, and selectivity. This work demonstrates that hierarchically porous block copolymer film is a good matrix candidate for the immobilization of the enzyme and provides a potential electrode material to construct novel biosensors with excellent performance.