Non-enzymatic Amperometric Glucose Sensor Based on Copper Nanowires Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide

A nanocomposite consisting of one-dimensional copper nanowires and two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (CuNWs/rGO) was synthesized by a simple one-step wet-chemical synthetic process. The Cu NWs anchored onto the rGO nanosheets with wrinkles and folds had a smooth surface. The CuNWs/rGO hybrids exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation due to the superior conductivity along one-dimensional direction and excellent catalytic activity of Cu NWs and rapid electron transfer in the two-dimensional rGO sheets. A wide linear range up to 11 mM, high sensitivity (1625 mu A/(mM.cm(2))), low detection limit (0.2 mu M) and fast response (< 2 s) to glucose oxidation were obtained under a working potential of 0.58V for the hybrid with optimized Cu/rGO mass ratio in the alkaline solution. Furthermore, the CuNWs/rGO composites displayed high selectivity to glucose and resistance against poisoning by commonly interfering species such as ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, acetamidophenol and some carbohydrates. The CuNWs/rGO hybrids with good reproducibility, stability and poisoning resistance to chloride ions were therefore promising for the potential application as non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensors with improved electrochemical performances.