Non-enzymatic sensing of glucose and hydrogen peroxide using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a nanocomposite consisting of nanoporous copper, carbon black and nafion

Three-dimensional nanoporous copper (NPC) was fabricated by dealloying ribbons of an Al-Cu alloy. NPC possesses a clean metal surface and high electrical conductivity. Subsequently, a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor was obtained by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with nanocomposites containing nanoporous copper and carbon black (NPC-CB) in a nafion matrix. The sensor, if operated at a working voltage of 0.6 V (vs. SCE) in 50 mM NaOH solution, has a linear analytical range that extends from 6.0 μM to 3.4 mM of glucose, and a 2.6 μM detection limit (at an S/N ratio of 3). It also shows good selectivity over ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine and carbohydrates (fructose, saccharose, and maltose). The sensor also has a rapid amperometric response to hydrogen peroxide which can be quantified with a 1.2 μM detection limit.