CuO nanofibers immobilized on paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode and its application in the amperometric detection of glucose

Abstract

1-D nanostructures are promising materials for development of electrochemical devices offering benefits such as fast electron transfer rates and large surface areas. Copper oxide nanofibers (CuONFs) synthesized by electrospinning technique and subsequent thermal treatment, were used to modify paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE) for a sensitive non-enzymatic glucose detection. The structure and morphology of CuO-NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity towards glucose oxidation was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results reveal a wide linear response to glucose ranging from 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.93 × 10-3 mol L-1 (R2 = 0.9927). The limit of detection was 0.39 × 10-6 mol L-1 (LOD = 3σ/s). The high aspect ratio of the nanofibers arranged in a three-dimensional network structure significantly enhances the electron transfer process. The electrode preparation is simple and rapid execution, and more importantly the graphite rod is relative low-cost and easy to achieve surface renewal for reusability.