Cu2O-Au nanocomposites for enzyme-free glucose sensing with enhanced performances

A facile method for the synthesis of Cu2O-Au nanocomposites has been reported by injecting Cu2O nanocubes into Au precursor directly with the assistance of ultrasound radiation at room temperature. The ultrasound radiation is not a necessary requirement but can make the distribution of Au nanoparticles more homogenous. The formation of Cu2O-Au nanocomposites is attributed to following two reasons. The first one is the difference in the reduction potential between Cu2+/Cu2O and AuCl4-/Au. which can also be considered as the driving force for the redox reaction. The other one is the low lattice mismatch between (2 0 0) planes of Cu2O and (2 00) facets of Au, which is favorable for the formation of heterostructure. The electrochemical investigation demonstrates that the performances of Cu2O nanocubes in enzyme-free glucose sensing have been improved significantly after the decoration of Au nanoparticles which may be derived from the polarization effect provided by Au nanoparticles. As-prepared Cu2O-Au nanocomposites have great potential in enzyme-free glucose sensing. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.