Non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on nickel nitride decorated nitrogen doped carbon spheres (Ni3N/NCS) via facile one pot nitridation process

Nickel nitride decorated nitrogen doped carbon spheres (Ni3N/NCS) were synthesized via an eco-friendly one pot nitridation process. The morphology and structure, chemical composition, and electrochemical properties of Ni3N/NCS were characterized vie different methods. The Ni3N nanoparticles with average diameter of 20 nm were uniformly decorated on the surface of nitrogen doped carbon spheres. The constructed Ni3N/NCS sensor exhibited excellent performance for non-enzymatic glucose sensing, which included two wide linear ranges of 1 mu M-3000 mu M and 3000 mu M - 7000 mu M with high sensitivity of 2024.18 mu AmM(-1)cm(-2) and 1256.98 mu AmM(-1)cm(-2). The corresponding detection limits in lower and higher concentration ranges were 0.1 mu M and 0.35 mu M respectively. The significantly improved electrochemical performance of Ni3N/NCS may be due to the rapid charge transfer and high conductivity of Ni3N/NCS/GCE, originating from the synergistic effect of Ni3N and nitrogen doped carbon spheres. Moreover, the Ni3N/NCS sensor also displayed satisfactory recovery results for glucose detection in serum samples. The kinetics of glucose oxidation on the Ni3N/NCS electrode were also studied to understand the electrochemical reaction on the surface of the materials. Moreover, the possible mechanisms about the glucose sensing and the formation of Ni3N/NCS were also discussed. The present study may provide a rational strategy to eco-friendly prepare highly efficient electrocatalysts for non-enzymatic glucose sensing applications. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.