Synthesis of CdS quantum dots decorated graphene nanosheets and non-enzymatic photoelectrochemical detection of glucose

•Graphene-CdS hybrid materials were prepared via one-step hydrothermal method.•Graphene-CdS was used as non-enzymatic photoelectrochemical sensor to detect glucose.•Glucose in real sample was detected and showed good specificity and sensitivity.

ABSTRACTGraphene-CdS quantum dots (QDs) hybrid materials were successfully prepared via one-step hydrothermal method. CdS QDs with average size of ∼6 nm were dispersed on graphene sheets with high coverage through non-covalent bonding. Photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results suggested that the best dosage of graphene oxide for graphene-CdS hybrid materials is 0.5% (G0.5-CdS). When G0.5-CdS QDs was used as photoanode materials in non-enzymatic sensor, and the sensor was used to detect glucose and displayed satisfactory analytical performance with good linear range from 0.1∼4 mmol dm−3 with a detection limit of 7 μmol dm−3 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The sensor also possessed high selectivity and durability in trace detection of glucose.

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