A highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on PtxCo1−x/C nanostructured composites

Platinum-cobalt (PtxCo1−x, x = 0.70, 0.55) alloy nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated by the chemical reduction method, using carbon (Vulcan XC-72) as support. The physical properties of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The electrochemical performance of the PtxCo1−x/C catalysts was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the oxidation current of glucose is linear to its concentration from 0.10 to 14.20 mM with high sensitivity of 73.60 μA mM−1 cm−2. In addition, the interference from the oxidation of fructose, uric acid, acetamidophenol and ascorbic acid could be effectively avoided. Meanwhile, the non-enzymatic glucose sensors exhibited excellent selectivity, stability and repeatability. Thus, this novel non-enzyme sensor has potential application in glucose detection.