NiCo₂O₄ Nano-/Microstructures as High-Performance Biosensors: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Non-enzymatic biosensors are crucial for sensitive and selective detection.
• Mixed transition metal oxides, particularly spinel NiCo2O4, offer excellent properties for biosensing.
• NiCo2O4 exhibits a large specific surface area and efficient charge transport pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review synthesis methods for pure and composite NiCo2O4 materials.
• To comprehensively analyze the electrochemical biosensing applications of NiCo2O4.
• To compare the performance of different NiCo2O4 morphologies and composites.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on synthesis techniques for NiCo2O4 nanomaterials.
• Analysis of electrochemical data from NiCo2O4-based biosensors.
• Comparative study of NiCo2O4 performance against individual oxides and various composites.

Main Results:

• One-dimensional and two-dimensional NiCo2O4 nanostructures demonstrate superior electrochemical sensing.
• The synergistic effect of NiCo2O4's redox couples (Ni3+/Ni2+ and Co3+/Co2+) enhances biosensing efficiency.
• Composites of NiCo2O4 with carbon materials, conducting polymers, and other metal oxides significantly improve performance.

Conclusions:

• NiCo2O4 is a highly promising material for non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensors.
• Morphology control and compositing strategies are key to optimizing NiCo2O4 biosensing capabilities.
• Further research into drawbacks and future perspectives will advance this field.