Macro-/meso-porous NiCo2O4 synthesized by template-free solution combustion to enhance the performance of a nonenzymatic amperometric glucose sensor.

A sensitive nonenzymatic amperometric glucose sensor is described that relies on a glassy carbon electrode modified with a macro-/meso-porous NiCo2O4. NiCo2O4 with spinel structure has been prepared via a one-step solution combustion method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen absorption/desorption. An electrode was coated with the porous material and then displayed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the direct oxidation of glucose in 0.15 M NaOH solution by cyclic voltammetry. Amperometric I-t curve demonstrated a sensitivity of 2100 μA·mM-1·cm-2 at an applied potential of 0.45 V (vs Hg/HgCl). The sensor has a linear response in the 0.001 to 1.0 mΜ glucose concentration range, a fast response time (3.9 s) and a low detection limit (0.38 μΜ). Graphical abstract.