Preparation of co-Co3O4/carbon nanotube/carbon foam for glucose sensor

Co-Co 3 O 4 /carbon nanotube/carbon foam (Co-Co 3 O 4 /CNT/CF) nanocomposites were prepared by soaking melamine foam into a solution of Co(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O, followed by calcination in N 2 and air in sequence. The obtained Co-Co 3 O 4 /CNT/CF nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles were grown on the external of CF successfully, while CNTs were grown on the surfaces of CF in a large amount, which further improved the electrical conductivity of the. The prepared Co-Co 3 O 4 /CNT/CF nanocomposites were then used to construct nonenzymatic sensor to detect glucose in alkaline solution. The sensor showed detection range from 1.2 μM to 2.29 mM with a detection limit of 0.4 μM (S/ N =3) and a high sensitivity of 637.5 μA −1 cm −2 . The developed sensor also showed an instant response, favorable reproducibility, and high selectivity. The results attest that Co-Co 3 O 4 /CNT/CF composites have great potential in the development of nonenzymatic sensors for glucose.