In situ fabrication of Ni(OH)2 flakes on Ni foam through electrochemical corrosion as high sensitive and stable binder-free electrode for glucose sensing

Abstract

As a promising electrode material, Ni(OH)2 is generally deposited on Ni foam to construct binder-free electrode by hydrothermal method. However, the traditional hydrothermal method always suffers from environmental issues and poor adhesion. In this work, Ni(OH)2 flakes-Ni foam (Ni(OH)2 FNF) was fabricated by an in situ electrochemical corrosion of Ni foam in pure distilled water under hydrothermal condition without the presence of nickel salts and additives. Being employed as an integrated binder-free electrode, Ni(OH)2 FNF electrode exhibits high sensitivity (2617.4μAcm−2mM−1) and reliable stability towards electrooxidation of glucose. The high sensitivity can be ascribed to the high electron transfer rate and large surface area provided by the unique 2D flake-like morphology and porous 3D architecture. The in situ growth characteristics guarantees the reliable stability of the Ni(OH)2 FNF electrode. The electrochemical corrosion method is simple, green and efficient and has potential applications in the design of metal hydroxides or oxides on corresponding metal substrate.