Recyclable Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on Ni/NiTiO₃ /TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Non-enzymatic glucose sensors offer an alternative to enzyme-based systems.
• Developing renewable electrodes is crucial for long-term biosensing applications.
• Photocatalytic self-cleaning mechanisms can enhance sensor durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensor.
• To create a self-renewable electrode platform for glucose detection.
• To investigate the performance of Ni/NiTiO3/TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) for glucose sensing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Ni/NiTiO3/TiO2 NTAs via hydrothermal treatment and annealing.
• Electrochemical characterization of glucose oxidation at low applied potential.
• Evaluation of sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and limit of detection.
• Assessment of the electrode's self-renewal capability under light irradiation.

Main Results:

• The Ni/NiTiO3/TiO2 NTAs demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation.
• High sensitivity (456.4 μA cm⁻² mM⁻¹) and a low detection limit (0.7 μM) were achieved.
• The electrode exhibited efficient photocatalytic decomposition of fouling species, restoring sensitivity and selectivity.
• The sensor showed potential for long-term, stable glucose monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Ni/NiTiO3/TiO2 NTAs provide a robust and renewable platform for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
• The combination of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis enables self-cleaning and sustained performance.
• This technology holds promise for advanced glucose monitoring devices.