Development of an impedimetric non enzymatic sensor based on ZnO and Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles for the detection of glucose

Abstract

In this research, pure and copper-doped Zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cu-ZO) have been prepared by sol gel method. Lots of tests have been carried out for the prepared samples such as crystallinity analysis, microstructures observation and electrochemical property investigations. The electrochemical behavior of the electrodes were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). These analyses show that the ZnO and Cu-ZO samples are promising for the development of cost effective non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose biosensors with good features. The prepared Cu-ZO samples sensor represent higher sensitivity and superior electro catalytic activity as compared to that observed for the undoped ZnO nanoparticles. It exhibit a large linear detection range from 10−9 M to 10−5 M and low detection limit of 10−9 M. It is believed that the copper doping revealed a significant effect on the electrochemical properties because it provide more electro catalytic actives sites and more electron transfer for glucose oxidation. Furthermore, measurements in the presence of interfering species haven't affected the response of the analyte of interest which prove the good selectivity of the Cu-ZO. Finally, the electrode was successfully applied to the assess the glucose level in human serum samples.