Electrodeposition of PtCo alloy nanoparticles on inclusion complex film of functionalized cyclodextrin–ionic liquid and their application in glucose sensing

Platinum–cobalt (PtCo) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully fabricated by ultrasonic-electrodeposition method, using an inclusion complex (IC) film of functionalized cyclodextrin (CD)–ionic liquid (IL) as support. The morphology and composition of the PtCo alloy NPs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. It is found that they are well-dispersed on the CD–IL surface and exhibit many unique features. The resulting modified glassy carbon electrode shows excellent catalytic activity for glucose oxidation. Under the physiological condition, the oxidation current of glucose is linear to its concentration up to 20 mM with sensitivity of 13.7 μA mM−1 cm−2. In addition, the interference from the oxidation of ascorbic acid and uric acid could be effectively avoided. Therefore, it is promising as a nonenzymatic glucose sensor.