Direct growth of flower like-structured CuFe oxide on graphene supported nickel foam as an effective sensor for glucose determination

In this report, a novel flower like-structured CuFe oxides was directly grown on graphene nanosheets supported nickel foam substrates (CuFe-O/GR/NF) via a hydrothermal method followed by an additionally pyrolysis process. The different morphologies consistent with varied synthesis conditions, along with their catalytic activity were discussed. The CuFe-O/GR/NF material was successfully applied as an electrocatalyst for sensing glucose with a wide linear concentration range of 0.0079 mu M-21.504 mu M, sensitivity of 0.368 mA mu M-1 cm(-2), and limit of detection of 0.0079 mu M. Impressively, the CuFe-O/GR/NF showed much higher electrocatalytic activity, lower overpotential and greater stability as compared to that of mono Cu-O/GR/NF or Fe-O/GR/NF synthesized by the same method. The higher electrocatalytic activity was due to the high electron conductivity, large surface area of CuFe-O/GR/NF and the fast ion/electron transport in the electrode and at the electrolyte-electrode interface. This is important for further development of high performance electrocatalysts for sensor application.

Automated summary

The report describes the synthesis of novel flower like-structured CuFe oxides directly on graphene nanosheets supported nickel foam substrates for electrocatalytic sensing of glucose. The material showed higher electrocatalytic activity, lower overpotential, and greater stability compared to mono Cu-O/GR/NF or Fe-O/GR/NF synthesized using the same method. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity was attributed to the high electron conductivity, large surface area, and fast ion/electron transport in the electrode.