Preparation of co-Co3 O4 /carbon nanotube/carbon foam for glucose sensor.

Abstract

Co-Co3 O4 /carbon nanotube/carbon foam (Co-Co3 O4 /CNT/CF) nanocomposites were prepared by soaking melamine foam into a solution of Co(NO3 )2 ·6H2 O, followed by calcination in N2 and air in sequence. The obtained Co-Co3 O4 /CNT/CF nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that Co3 O4 nanoparticles were grown on the external of CF successfully, while CNTs were grown on the surfaces of CF in a large amount, which further improved the electrical conductivity of the. The prepared Co-Co3 O4 /CNT/CF nanocomposites were then used to construct nonenzymatic sensor to detect glucose in alkaline solution. The sensor showed detection range from 1.2 μM to 2.29 mM with a detection limit of 0.4 μM (S/N =3) and a high sensitivity of 637.5 μA-1 cm-2 . The developed sensor also showed an instant response, favorable reproducibility, and high selectivity. The results attest that Co-Co3 O4 /CNT/CF composites have great potential in the development of nonenzymatic sensors for glucose.