A CuNi/C Nanosheet Array Based on a Metal-Organic Framework Derivate as a Supersensitive Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bimetal catalysts offer advantages for non-enzymatic glucose sensors, including cost-effectiveness, high activity, conductivity, and ease of fabrication.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide porous structures and carbon scaffolds beneficial for electrochemical processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a self-supported CuNi/C electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
• To investigate the effect of copper nanoparticle deposition on a Ni-MOF derivative for enhanced electrochemical performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a self-supported CuNi/C electrode via electrodeposition of Cu nanoparticles onto a Ni-MOF derivative.
• Electrochemical characterization of the electrode's performance in glucose detection.
• Validation using human blood serum samples and comparison with a standard enzymatic method.

Main Results:

• The CuNi/C electrode exhibited high sensitivity (17.12 mA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²), a low detection limit (66.67 nM), and a wide linearity range (0.20–2.72 mM).
• The electrode demonstrated excellent reusability, reproducibility, and stability.
• The sensor achieved comparable glucose concentration measurements to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase method in human blood serum.

Conclusions:

• The developed CuNi/C electrode is a promising candidate for practical non-enzymatic glucose sensing applications.
• The porous structure and carbon scaffold from the MOF, combined with Cu nanoparticles, significantly enhance electrochemical glucose detection.
• The sensor's performance and validation in real samples highlight its feasibility for clinical use.