Carbohydrates electrocatalytic oxidation using CNT–NiCo-oxide modified electrodes

A new sensor for an amplified electrochemical detection of carbohydrates is proposed, where carbohydrates are oxidized by CNT–NiCo-oxide composite in basic solutions. Cyclic voltammograms of the modified electrode show a stable and well defined redox couple in alkaline media due to the synergy of Ni(II)/Ni(III) system with Co(II)/Co(III). The modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity towards monosaccharides oxidation at reduced overpotential in alkaline solutions. Six monosaccharides were determined amperometrically at the surface of this modified electrode with high sensitivity over a wide range of concentrations, from 0.02 up to 12.12 mM. Low detection limit of 5 μM for glucose could be obtained.