Graphene oxide–thionine–Au nanostructure composites: Preparation and applications in non-enzymatic glucose sensing

Herein, we demonstrated a facile strategy for preparing high-loading Au nanoparticles using thionine functionalized graphene oxide as the supporting material. Glassy carbon electrodes modified with the as-obtained nanocomposites showed remarkably electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose, leading to an enzymeless glucose sensor with a wide linear range and a lower detection limit of 0.05 μmol/L.

► Using thionine to functionalize graphene oxide.
► High-loading Au NPs are obtained.
► As-obtained nanocomposites can be used as electrocatalysts toward the oxidation of glucose.
► Determination of glucose appears to be simple yet sensitive.