Nonenzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor based on nanoporous PtPb networks

Here, we report on a novel nonenzymatic amperometric glucose sensor based on three-dimensional PtPb networks directly grown on Ti substrates using a reproducible one-step hydrothermal method. The surface morphology and bimetallic composition of the synthesized nanoporous PtPb materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, respectively. Voltammetry and amperometric methods were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activities of the synthesized electrodes toward nonenzymatic glucose oxidation in neutral media in the absence and in the presence of chloride ions. The synthesized nanoporous PtPb electrodes have strong and sensitive current responses to glucose. Their amperometric sensitivities increase in the order of Pt-Pb (0%) < Pt-Pb (30%) < Pt-Pb (70%) < Pt-Pb (50%). These nanoporous PtPb electrodes are also highly resistant toward poisoning by chloride ions and capable of sensing glucose amperometrically at a very low potential, -80 mV (Ag/AgCl), where the interference from the oxidation of common interfering species such as ascorbic acid, acetamidophenol, and uric acid is effectively avoided.