Spherical nickel boride nanoparticles anchored on a carbon nanofiber composite for efficient sensing of non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide in biological samples

Abstract

Spherical nickel boride nanoparticles (Ni3B NPs) were grown firmly on surface-functionalized carbon nanofibers (ƒ-CNFs) using a simple and convenient synthesis strategy and their application as enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were examined. The Ni3B NPs/ƒ-CNFs composite was characterized by the crystalline structure, surface morphology, and surface chemical states using a range of techniques. The sensing efficiency of the as-prepared composite was also examined using various voltammetry techniques. The structural and morphological characterization results showed that the Ni3B NPs could be effectively anchored in the ƒ-CNFs matrix and the average particle size of the anchored Ni3B NPs is 15.9 nm. The electrochemical studies suggested that the small Ni3B NPs could enhance the electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of H2O2 via the ƒ-CNFs because of the synergistic effects of ƒ-CNFs and Ni3B NPs. The kinetic parameters, such as the catalytic rate constant and diffusion coefficient of the Ni3B NPs/ƒ-CNFs composite modified electrode, were calculated to be 30.9 × 105 mol−1s−1 and 4.48 × 10-6 cm2s−1, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the enzyme-free H2O2 sensor showed a more comprehensive linear range (0.083 µM – 12.6 mM and 14.2 – 39.5 mM), low detection limit (21 nM), high sensitivity (59 µA mM−1 cm−2), and negligible interference from glucose, dopamine, uric acid, and ascorbic acid. Moreover, the prepared electrode showed good repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and suitability for real sample analysis. These results highlight a method to develop high-performance sensing materials and a great candidate for practical application.