Synthesis, growth mechanism of different Cu nanostructures and their application for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

Cu nanostructures with different shapes were synthesized via a simple reduction approach from CuO nanoleaves at room temperature. The purity and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. By changing the dosage of reducing agent, Cu flowers and Cu octahedral cages were obtained successfully. The growth mechanism of morphology evolvement to different shaped Cu nanostructures is discussed. Thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) results illuminated that Cu flowers sample has relatively higher activity to oxygen in air atmosphere compared to Cu octahedral cages. A well-defined, stable and fast amperometric response of glucose was observed when the Cu nanostructures were constructed as non-enzymatic glucose sensors. The Cu flowers modified electrode has higher sensitivity than Cu octahedral cages modified one.

Graphical abstractCu flowers and Cu octahedral cages were synthesized by changing the dosage of reducing agent from CuO nanoleaves at room temperature. Cu flowers were obtained from the aggregated growth of Cu particles, while Cu octahedral cages were obtained by morphology heredity from the intermediate Cu2O. Cu flowers have relatively higher activity compared to Cu octahedral cages.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Cu flowers and octahedral cages were prepared by reducing CuO nanoleaves. ► Cu flowers have relatively higher activity compared to Cu octahedral cages. ► The Cu-constructed non-enzymatic sensor had good responses to glucose.