Fast synthesis of hierarchical cuprous oxide for nonenzymatic glucose biosensors with enhanced sensitivity

Highly defective hierarchical cuprous oxide was synthesized through a rapid and facile route. The morphology and structure of nanourchin cuprous oxide was characterized by transmission electron microscope, field emission-scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Electrochemical performance was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric response measurements. The biosensor fabricated with cuprous oxide exhibited excellent properties at a potential of 0.45 V, good linear range of 18.75-1089 mu M, detection limit of 18.5 mu M (S/N = 3), and a high sensitivity of 1231.7 mu A mM(-1) cm(-2). The reinforced performance of cuprous oxide was attributed to the special 3D hierarchical structure of the material and the high concentrations of defects. A possible mechanism was also deduced.