A highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on bimetallic Cu-Ag superstructures

Bimetallic Cu-Ag superstructures were successfully fabricated for the first time by using the natural leaves as reducing agent through a facile one-step hydrothermal process. Morphology, structure and composition of the Cu-Ag superstructures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), respectively. The results reveal that the Cu-Ag superstructure is bimetallic nanocomposite constructed by nanoparticles with low Ag content and shows a rough surface and porous flexural algae-like microstructure. By using a three-dimensional nickel foam as the scaffold, a novel non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on Cu-Ag nanocomposites has been fabricated and applied to non-enzymatic glucose detection. The as-prepared Cu-Ag nanocomposites based glucose sensor displays distinctly enhanced electrocatalytic activity compared to those obtained with pure Cu nanomaterials prepared with a similar procedure, revealing a synergistic effect of the matrix Cu and the doped Ag. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that the Cu-Ag superstructures based glucose sensor displays a fascinating sensitivity up to 7745.7 μA mM−1 cm−2, outstanding detection limit of 0.08 μM and fast amperometric response (<2 s) for glucose detection. Furthermore, the sensor also exhibits significant selectivity, excellent stability and reproducibility, as well as attractive feasibility for real sample analysis. Because of its excellent electrochemical performance, low cost and easy preparation, this novel electrode material is a promising candidate in the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensor.