Mapping Synthesis-Structure-Performance Relationships: A Data-Driven Framework for Optimizing Ni Electrodeposition in...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nonenzymatic glucose sensors using nickel (Ni) nanostructures show promise for wearable electronics.
• A clear link between electrochemical synthesis parameters, nanostructure morphology, and sensor performance is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively correlate electrochemical synthesis conditions with Ni nanostructure morphology and nonenzymatic glucose sensor performance.
• To establish a rational fabrication framework for electroactive electronic materials.

Main Methods:

• Systematic investigation of three electrochemical deposition methods (cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic, potentiostatic) for Ni nanostructures on three carbon substrates (glassy carbon, CNTs, rGO).
• Evaluation of 27 unique sensor configurations using a Composite Performance Index (CPI) for data-driven ranking.
• Morphological analysis using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).

Main Results:

• A statistical ranking of sensor configurations correlated directly with FESEM morphological analysis.
• The nucleation-growth balance was identified as the critical factor for superior electrocatalytic activity.
• The optimal Ni nanostructure configuration was successfully integrated onto a flexible textile substrate, showing stable performance.

Conclusions:

• A transferable and rational fabrication framework for electroactive electronic materials was established.
• The methodology minimizes empirical trial-and-error, accelerating the development of next-generation sensing devices.
• Optimized Ni nanostructures are suitable for practical wearable glucose sensing applications.