A flexible and disposable hybrid electrode based on Cu nanowires modified graphene transparent electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensor

A non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on Cu nanowires (CuNWs) modified graphene transparent electrode (GTE) was developed as a substitute for indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode or glassy carbon electrode (GCE). GTE was prepared by four steps on the polyethylene terephthalate sheet, and then Cu nanowires were deposited onto GTE to achieve the hybrid electrode of CuNWs/GTE by spin-coating. The morphology and phase structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray power diffraction, respectively. The resistance and electrochemical properties of CuNWs/GTE were investigated by four point probe and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Results indicated that the as-prepared sensor showed higher electrocatalytic activity toward glucose than pristine CuNWs and GTE; The sensor also showed wider linear response for glucose over concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 6.0 mM with a sensitivity of 1100 μA/(mM cm2), low detection limit of 1.6 μM (S/N = 3), and excellent anti-interference ability. More importantly, the as-prepared sensor had the similar or even better performances compared to those reported on ITO and GCE.