Nonenzymatic sensing of glucose at neutral pH values and low working potential using a glassy carbon electrode modified with platinum-iron alloy nanoparticles on a carbon support

Alloy nanoparticles of the type Pt x Fe (where x is 1, 2 or 3) were synthesized by coreduction with sodium borohydride in the presence of carbon acting as a chemical support. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The nanocomposite was placed on a glassy carbon electrode, and electrochemical measurements indicated an excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose even a near-neutral pH values and at a working voltage as low as 50 mV (vs. SCE). Under optimized conditions, the sensor responds to glucose in the 10.0 μM to 18.9 mM concentration range and with a 3.0 μM detection limit (at an S/N ratio of 3). Interferences by ascorbic acid, uric acid, fructose, acetamidophenol and chloride ions are negligible. Nonenzymatic sensing of glucose is demonstrated at neutral pH values and low working potential using a glassy carbon electrode modified with platinum-iron alloy nanoparticles on a carbon support.