Efficient improvement in non-enzymatic glucose detection induced by the hollow prism-like NiCo2S4 electrocatalyst

Abstract

Hollow prism-like NiCo₂S₄ materials (NiCo₂S₄ HNPs) were successfully fabricated by a two-step method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the morphology and structure of the as-prepared NiCo₂S₄ nanoprisms. A non-enzymatic sensor based on NiCo₂S₄ HNPs was constructed with outstanding electrochemical activity towards glucose oxidation in alkaline medium. The sensor showed a rapid response time (∼0.1 s), a high sensitivity of 82.9 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², a wide linear range (0.005–20.2 mM) and a detection limit of 0.8 μM (S/N = 3) with a good selectivity and reproducibility. Additionally, the proposed electrode also confirmed the feasibility in practical blood serum. These results indicate that NiCo₂S₄/ITO has great potential in the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensor applications.