Zn2+ induced self-assembled fabrication of marigold-like ZnO microflower@Ni(OH)2 three-dimensional nanosheets for nonenzymatic glucose sensing

Precise control over the structure and morphology of nano/microarchitectures is the topic of immense interest to tune their physical features and chemical aspects for desired applications. In this work, a novel and effective Ni (OH)(2) three-dimensional nanosheet-coated marigold-like ZnO microflower (mg-ZnO@Ni(OH)(2) NSs) hybrid is designed for the nonenzymatic electrochemical determination of glucose. The morphological evolution of mg-ZnO and mg-ZnO@Ni(OH)(2) NSs was achieved by a one-pot solvothermal strategy through control over the re -action conditions without any assistance of an external shape-controlling surfactant. Furthermore, the as-fabricated mg-ZnO and mg-ZnO@Ni(OH)(2) NSs were systematically evaluated by different spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical characterization tools. The results indicate that highly exposed homogeneous nanocorners of mg-ZnO and the synergetic effect of Ni(OH)(2) coating, collectively improve the electrocatalytic efficiency of the designed catalyst. The mg-ZnO@Ni(OH)(2) NS-based sensing electrode exhibits excellent amperometric performance for glucose monitoring, comprising satisfactory sensitivity (259.78 and 62.82 mu A mM(-1) cm(-2)), wide linear range (0.084-0.941 mM and 0.941-6.50 mM), low limit of detection (0.06 mu M, S/N = 3), good stability and high detection selectivity. Moreover, the designed sensor is promising for the potential application in the real-time glucose detection of human serum samples.

Automated summary

This study presents the design of a novel nanostructure for non-enzymatic electrochemical determination of glucose. The morphological evolution of the nanostructure was achieved through control over reaction conditions, and the resulting catalysts were evaluated using spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical characterization tools. The designed catalyst exhibited excellent electrocatalytic efficiency and glucose sensing performance.