A self-cleaning nonenzymatic glucose detection system based on titania nanotube arrays modified with platinum nanoparticles

In the present work, we show how TiO2 nanotube layers that are decorated with a Pt-nanoparticle coating can be fabricated and operated as a reusable glucose sensing system. A critical amount of Pt coating is essential not only to provide an effective catalyst for glucose oxidation but also to establish a sufficient conductivity along TiO2 nanotube walls to allow an efficient amperometric operation of the electrode. On such an electrode the self-cleaning photocatalytic features of TiO2 can be maintained and used to re-establish poisoned activity of the Pt particles.

► Pt coated TiO2 nanotubes are used for high performance glucose detection.
► The system shows self-cleaned properties (reusability).
► Amperometric sensing is possible with minimum sensitivity to interfering species.