A highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on CuO nanowires

We report on the sensitive determination of glucose using a glassy carbon electrode modified with CuO nanowires and a Nafion film. The structure and morphology of CuO nanowires were established by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Compared to a bare glassy carbon electrode, a substantial increase in efficiency of the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose can be observed. The new glucose sensor displays two useful linear ranges of response towards glucose, is not affected by commonly interfering species, and displays a detection limit as small as 45 nM. The response time is < 2 s towards 0.5 mM of glucose. Additional features include high electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and good stability.