Advanced core-shell nanostructures based on porous NiCo-P nanodiscs shelled with NiCo-LDH nanosheets as a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform

Abstract

The development of robust and efficient earth-abundant electrocatalysts based on complex core-shell arrays with ordered two-dimensional nano-architectures for different electrochemical technologies is an ongoing challenge. In this matter, the fabrication of core-shell arrays with a core of bimetallic phosphides nanodisc-like building blocks has not been reported yet. Herein, advanced core-shell nanostructures consisting of porous nickel-cobalt phosphide nanodiscs (NiCo-P NDs) shelled with nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide nanosheets (NiCo-LDH NSs) were rationally designed (NiCo-P@NiCo-LDH). The NiCo-P@NiCo-LDH core-shell nanodiscs/nanosheets have unique features such as high conductivity, large specific surface area, more contact area between nanomaterials and analyte, and numerous active sites for enhancing electrochemical performance. The electrocatalytic performance of fabricated core-shell arrays was evaluated toward electrochemical sensing of isoprenaline (IPN) as a templet. Some competencies of glassy carbon electrode coated with NiCo-P@NiCo-LDH core-shell arrays (NiCo-P@NiCo-LDH/GCE) to IPN determination are including speedy response time (∆t <1s), low detection limit (0.17 µM), wide linear range (0.5–2110 µM), long-term stability, good reproducibility, low cost, and portability. This report is promising for application in other electrochemical technologies and it will pave the way for the development of new core-shell nanostructures based on multi-metallic phosphide nanodiscs.