Template-based electrodeposition of Pt/Ni nanowires and its catalytic activity towards glucose oxidation

An electro-catalysis non-enzymatic electrode is proposed based on alloyed Pt/Ni nanowire arrays (NWAs) for the detection of glucose. The Pt/Ni NWAs were prepared by pulse electrodeposition of Pt and Ni within a nano-pore polycarbonate (PC) membrane followed by a chemical etching of the membrane. The electrode structure is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting Pt/Ni NWAs electrode shows high electrocatalytic activities towards the oxidation of glucose in alkaline solution. Consequently, a sensitive amperometric detection of glucose is achieved under 0.45 V vs. SCE with a low detection limit of 1.5 μM within a wide linear range from 2 μM to 2 mM (R = 0.997). Furthermore, the oxidable species such as ascorbic acid and uric acid show no significant interference in determination of glucose. Finally, the experiment results reveal a very good reproducibility and high stability for the proposed Pt/Ni NWAs electrode.