MOF Ni-BTC Derived Ni/C/Graphene Composite for Highly Sensitive Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Detection

Abstract

In comparison with enzymatic detection, non-enzymatic detection of glucose has lower cost, better stability, and simpler immobilization operation, but it still lacks sensitivity. Rational design and controllable synthesis of materials with unique morphology are important for non-enzymatic glucose detection. Herein, graphene oxide (GO) is utilized as structure-directing agent for the hydrothermal synthesis of Ni-BTC, followed by pyrolysis to obtain graphene decorated with Ni nanoparticles and carbon (Ni/C/G). GO confines the growth of Ni nanoparticles and GO-derived graphene improves the dispersion of Ni nanoparticles. Ni/C/G demonstrates higher sensitivity for non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical detection. In contrast, pyrolysis of Ni-BTC without GO produces micro-size rod-like Ni/C with poor performance towards glucose detection. Thus, the introduction of GO as the stabilizer in the hydrothermal synthesis of Ni-BTC is an effective approach to synthesize electrocatalysts containing metal nanoparticles. Furthermore, this strategy can be utilized to synthesize other low-cost nanomaterials for non-enzyme glucose detection.