Controllable synthesis of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles supported on MnO2 nanowires with excellent oxidase-mimicking performance

Abstract

A one dimensional (1D) hierarchical structure with hybrid components is extremely attractive for catalytic application considering the integrated properties and synergistic effect of its individual components. In this work, an effective approach combined with a hydrothermal reaction, water bath deposition, and post-calcination treatment is developed to decorate NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) on MnO₂ nanowires (NWs), leading to the formation of 1D hierarchical heterostructures as efficient oxidase mimics for the detection of glutathione. The oxidase catalytic activity of the as-prepared MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites is much higher than that of individual NiCo₂O₄ NPs and MnO₂ NWs because of the synergistic effect between the two components. Owing to the superior catalytic efficiency of the prepared MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ nanowires, a colorimetric route for the rapid and accurate detection of glutathione has been developed. This shows that the 1D hierarchical MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites as catalytic materials potentially have a good application prospect.