Direct electrodeposition of cable-like CuO@Cu nanowires array for non-enzymatic sensing

Vertically aligned cable-like CuO@Cu nanowires array was synthesized using a template-directed electrodeposition strategy. The morphology, crystal structure, and surface property of nanowires array were investigated by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS, respectively. It is found that the free standing namowires are highly dense, and possess about 20 μm in length and 200 nm in diameter. The bulk Cu nanowires are assembled by a number of single crystalline Cu nanoparticles and surface is wrapped by a thin layer of amorphous CuO with size of 2.5 nm. Electrocatalytic activity of the nanowires array towards glucose oxidation was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry in alkaline media. The nanowires array with 3×3 mm(2) was then used to fabricate a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The sensor exhibits a wide concentration range of 1×10(-6)M-1×10(-2) M for glucose, with an ultra-high sensitivity of 1250.8 μA mM(-1) cm(-2) and excellent anti-interference ability. The good sensing performances could be attributed to the integration of the superior electrocatalysis of high density of Cu nanowires array and the outer shell of negatively charged CuO against interferences.