Ultra-fast and highly sensitive enzyme-free glucose sensor based on 3D vertically aligned silver nanoplates on nickel foam-graphene substrate

Abstract

Using a simple sonication assisted electrodeposition technique, three-dimension (3D) Ag nanoplates (NPs) have been synthesized on 3D nickel foam-graphene (NFG) grown by chemical vapor deposition. The 3D composite was used as a monolithic free-standing electrode and Ag NPs standing on the surface of 3D NFG substrate make their surface area fully used, which is beneficial in non-enzymatic glucose sensing. The electrochemical sensor made by this novel architecture of (Agꓕ@NFG)S results in an ultra-high glucose sensitivity of 2 × 1011 μA (mM)−1 (cm)−2, an ultra-fast response time (0.1 s) and a good detection limit of 2 nM. Furthermore, the sensor also exhibits momentous selectivity, reproducibility along with excellent stability. This study provides a new strategy to enhance the sensing properties of NFG based composites, which is a promising candidate for the application of non-enzymatic glucose sensing.