Electrodeposition and electrocatalytic properties of Pt/Ni-Co nanowires for non-enzymatic glucose detection

A nanowire arrays system consisting of an ordered configuration of Pt, Ni and Co was constructed in single-bath solution through pulse electrodeposition. This structure was evaluated as a potential amperometric non-enzymatic sensor to detect glucose in alkaline solution. We observed a strong and fast amperometric response at low applied potential of 0.4 V vs. SCE over linear ranges of 0-0.2 mM and 0.2-8 mM glucose with sensitivities of 1125 and 333 mu A mM(-1) cm(-2), respectively. We also observed a low detection limit for glucose of 1 mu M. Correlation of the electronic and geometric modifications with the electrochemical performance characteristics enhanced catalytic activity of the electrode by applying the Ni and Co components to Pt nanowires structure. The electrode showed good analytical performance and high selectivity with no interference from other oxidable species, demonstrating its promise for developing an effective glucose sensor. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.