Synthesis of ultra-long nanowires of nickel phosphate by a template-free hydrothermal method for electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose

The ultra-long nanowires of nickel phosphate were synthesized by a simple, template-free hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy show the morphology of ultra-long nanowires with lengths ranging from 20 to 30 m, diameters in the range of 60 +/- 20 nm, and the high length/diameter ratio of about 350. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction pattern confirm that the ultra-long nanowires are composed of Ni-3(PO4)(2) and NiHPO4 center dot 3H(2)O. The formation mechanism for the ultra-long nanowires of nickel phosphate is discussed reasonably. The ultra-long nanowires of nickel phosphate exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity towards glucose oxidation. The cross of nanowires results in more inter-spaces and active sites. As a result, they show the similar behavior of microelectrodes with low background current, low capacitance current and high catalytic current due to the high specific surface area, efficient charge transfer and fast diffusion of reactants and products. It may find potential applications for fuel cells.