In situ synthesis of Ni(OH)2/TiO2 composite film on NiTi alloy for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

A one-step potential cycling technique for in situ synthesis of electroactive Ni(OH)2 and protective TiO2 composite film on NiTi alloy is described. The Ni(OH)2/TiO2 composite film can be used directly as the electrode in a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. This binder-free sensor boasts a high glucose sensitivity of 192 μA mM−1 cm−2, short response time of less than 1 s, and detection limit of 8 μM. In addition, the stable and protective TiO2 extends the linear range to 14 mM and provides excellent long-term stability. This novel fabrication method not only simplifies the preparation of high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensing materials, but also can be readily extended to the fabrication of other transition metal-based biosensors.