Magnetic loading of graphene-nickel nanoparticle hybrid for electrochemical sensing of carbohydrates

Graphene-nickel nanoparticle hybrid was prepared by the one-step far infrared-assisted reduction of graphene oxide and nickel (II) ions using hydrazine. It was loaded on the surface of a magnetic electrode for electrochemical sensing. The feasibility and performance of the novel electrode were demonstrated by measuring carbohydrates using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. It demonstrated that nickel nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of carbohydrates while graphene improved the electron transduction. The synergistic effect significantly enhanced the current response of carbohydrates. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.