Preparation of Au-film electrodes in glucose-containing Au-electroplating aqueous bath for high-performance nonenzymatic glucose sensor and glucose/O2 fuel cell

The Au film electrodeposited on glassy carbon or Au electrode in glucose-containing aqueous bath (Auglu) shows higher electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation in neutral aqueous solution, as compared with those prepared in a conventional glucose-free bath and many previously reported analogs, and the nonenzymatic glucose sensor and glucose/O2 fuel cell with outstanding performance at neutral pH are thus fabricated. The high electrocatalytic activity of Auglu is discussed from the surface area and crystal facets resulting from the dynamic adsorption–desorption of added glucose and its electrooxidation products on electroplating Au particles.

► Adding glucose in Au-plating bath yields an Au film of high glucose-electroactivity.
► This Au film performs excellently in nonenzymatic glucose sensing and glucose/O2 fuel cell.
► The mechanism for the high glucose-electroactivity is briefly addressed.