Aligned carbon nanotube modified carbon fibre coated with gold nanoparticles embedded in a polymer film: Voltammetric microprobe for enzymeless glucose sensing

In this preliminary report, the preparation and characterization of a nano-hybrid microprobe, composed of aligned carbon nanotube-modified single carbon fibre coated with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) attached to a polymer film, is described for the first time. The functionalization of the microelectrodes with polymer film prior to the GNP attachment step was demonstrated to significantly improve the GNP surface coverage and distribution. Surface status characterization of these hybrid structured electrodes was performed using scanning electron microscopy and the importance of the presence of polymer was clearly observed. By using cyclic voltammetry, possible application of the proposed nano-composite microprobe for enzymeless glucose detection is demonstrated.

► Development and characterization of nano-hybrid material for sensing application ► Combining carbon fibre covered with aligned carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles ► Essential is the use of suitably charged and structured polymer polyethyleneimine ► Only chosen combination of components results in successful direct glucose oxidation ► Voltammetric microprobe model with good capacity for enzymeless glucose sensing