A high-performance nonenzymatic piezoelectric sensor based on molecularly imprinted transparent TiO2 film for detection of urea

Transparent photocatalytic surfaces are of ever increasing importance for the enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency. Here, the highly ordered transparent TiO 2 nanotube arrays were prepared by the anodization and thermal annealing of titanium layer deposited onto the glass substrate , and a novel nonenzymatic piezoelectric sensor was developed for urea detection based on the modification of molecularly imprinted TiO 2 thin film onto transparent TiO 2 nanotube arrays. The performance of the fabricated sensor was evaluated and the results indicated that the sensor exhibited high sensitivity in urea detection, with a linear range from 0.04 to 120   μM and a limit of detection of 0.01   μM. Moreover, the sensor presented outstanding selectivity while used in coexisting systems containing various interferents with high concentration. The analytical application of the urea sensor confirmed the feasibility of urea detection in urine sample.