Novel nanoneedle structures of zinc-doped cobalt hydroxide as a self-supported sensor for sensitive glucose detection

Abstract

In this study, we developed a novel nanoneedle-like structure of zinc-doped cobalt hydroxide supported by three-dimensional porous architecture (Zn-Co-OH/3DNF) via a facile approach. The hybrid was successfully applied as a binder-free and self-supported sensor for nonenzymatic glucose detection in alkaline medium. The hybrid can detect glucose with a wide linear detection range of 10–3535 μM, low detection limit of 8.33 μM, and an acceptable sensitivity of 0.0061 mA μM−1 cm-2. In addition, the hybrid exhibited good selectivity, long-term stability, and durability. The obtained results may be due to the synergistic effect produced by the combination between zinc and Co-OH in the form of large-area nanoneedle-like structures, together with the high conductivity and large surface area of 3D supporting material; thereby improving electroactive sites, charge conductivity, and electrolyte diffusion. The achieved results suggested a novel approach for developing potential sensor with the improved performance towards glucose detection in analytical applications.