One-step microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of novel CuO nanodisks for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

In this study, a new approach for glucose sensing emphasizing on cost-effectivity and simplicity while sensitivity of sensor remains high enough, is proposed. In this respect, we prepared CuO nanodisks having an ellipsoidal form without using any template or surfactants just by using microwave irradiation for 5 min and used it to modify disposable commercial screen printed carbon electrodes(SPCE) without using any kind of binders like nafion. The synthesized CuO nanostructure has been thoroughly characterized using various complementary techniques (SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XRD) while the performance of proposed electrochemical sensor was investigated as for glucose sensing. Different effective parameters on performance of the electrochemical sensor, including KOH concentration, applied potential, repeatability, stability and selectivity, were investigated and discussed. The linear dynamic range, from 2.0 mu M to 2.5 mM, with detection limit of 0.2 mu M (at signal to noise ratio of 3) and sensitivity of 627.3 mu A mM(-2) cm,(-2) are comparable or better than many of more sophisticated glucose sensors. Therefore, this simple and sensitive sensor can offer a cost-effective and high-performance glucose sensor with respect to previously reported copper oxide based glucose sensors. Capability of proposed sensor for measurement of glucose was evaluated in human urine sample.