Synthesis of copper nanorods for non-enzymatic amperometric sensing of glucose

An electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on copper nanorods (CuNRs) was developed. The CuNRs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results display a layer of rough cuprous oxide that is formed on the surface of CuNRs. The CuNR- modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits an outstanding capability in terms of nonenzymatic sensing of glucose. The sensor displays high sensitivity (1490 μA•mM −1 •cm −2 ), fast response time (less than 5 s), a low detection limit of 8 nM (S/ N  = 3), long term stability, and excellent anti-fouling ability. The sensor was applied to the detection of glucose in (spiked) human serum and in black ice tea, with relative standard deviations (for n  = 6) of 1.7 % and 1.9 %, respectively. The surface of Cu nanorods was covered with cuprous oxide, which increased the surface area of the nanorods and provided more catalytic active sites for the electro-oxidation of glucose. Good linearity and selectivity were obtained in glucose sensing.