Three-Dimensional Dendrite Cu–Co/Reduced Graphene Oxide Architectures on a Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode as an Electrochemical Sensor for Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) copper–cobalt (Cu–Co)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hierarchical architectures are electrochemically deposited over a pencil graphite electrode (PGE), and the modified PGE is directly exploited as a binder-free and disposable electrode for high performance nonenzymatic glucose sensors. The morphological features substantiate that the Cu–Co nanostructures display a 3D, open, porous, interconnected network architecture, in which the rGO layers are tightly pinned among the nanofeelers. Owing to the benefits of dendrite architectures and optimized composition, Cu–Co/rGO/PGE demonstrates better glucose oxidation behavior under alkaline conditions. Being a nonenzymatic glucose sensor, Cu–Co/rGO/PGE demonstrates excellent gluose detection properties with considerable chloride poisoning resistance. The excellent analytical performance of Cu–Co/rGO/PGE comprehends its application in human serum samples. Thus, this report paves constructive opportunities for the development of disposable, environmentally benign, binder-free, cost-efficient, and scalable 3D electrodes, which may be beneficial for the development of economically viable nonenzymatic glucose sensor devices.