A flexible carbon nanotubes-based microelectrode for non-enzymatic electrochemical uric acid and ascorbic acid sensing

This study aims to fabricate a carbon nanotube-based flexible microelectrode for the detection of medically significant biomolecules. Cobalt iron oxide modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) fiber was developed via simple hydrothermal method and utilized for the detection of uric acid and ascorbic acid in alkaline media. The enhanced catalytic performance along with high sensitivity is revealed towards non-enzymatic detection of uric acid and ascorbic acid. Unique morphology (microsphere) of CoFe2O4 and multiwalled CNTs in the form of fibers were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to elucidate the elemental composition. Electrochemical studies for both ascorbic acid and uric acid sensing using fabricated microelectrode were examined using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Chronoamperometry techniques. CoFe2O4@CNTs based flexible microelectrode based sensor displayed excellent sensitivity, lower detection limit and wide linear range with decent selectivity. These outcomes convinced promising utilization of such type of microstructure sensors as cost effective, efficient and disposable microelectrodes for wearable sensing applications.