Nonenzymatic sensing of glucose at neutral pH values using a glassy carbon electrode modified with graphene nanosheets and Pt-Pd bimetallic nanocubes

We report on a nonenzymatic method for the determination of glucose using an electrode covered with graphene nanosheets (GNs) modified with Pt-Pd nanocubes (PtPdNCs). The latter were prepared on GNs by using N,N-dimethylformamide as a bifunctional solvent for the reduction of both metallic precursors and graphene oxide, and for confining the growth of PtPdNCs on the surface. The modified electrode displays strong and sensitive current response to the electrooxidation of glucose, notably at pH 7. The sensitivities increase in the order of Pt1Pd5NCs < Pt1Pd3NCs < Pt5Pd1NCs < Pt3Pd1NCs < Pt1Pd1NCs. At an applied potential of +0.25 V, the electrode responds linearly (R = 0.9987) to glucose in up to 24.5 mM concentration, with a sensitivity of 1.4 mu A cm(-2) M-1. The sensor is not poisoned by chloride, and not interfered by ascorbic acid, uric acid and p-acetamidophenol under normal physiological conditions. The modified electrode also displays a wide linear range, good stability and fast amperometric response, thereby indicating the potential of the bimetallic materials for nonenzymatic sensing of glucose.