Direct co-deposition of binder-free Cu-biochar-based nonenzymatic disposable sensing element for electrochemical glucose detection

Abstract

This work is the first attempt to incorporate biochar on a pencil graphite electrode via one-step electrodeposition as a rational route for refining a copper-based biosensor for a high-performance nonenzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor. Biochar undecorated electrode counterpart was also fabricated for comparison. The cyclic voltammetry graph showed that co-deposition with biochar enhanced the electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation in an alkaline medium. The surface morphology of the copper-biochar hybrid coating demonstrated an attractive three-dimensional structure that had not been reported in the literature. The results indicated that the supplied extending surface area due to biochar modification was the controlling factor for the improved electrochemical reactivity for glucose sensing. The amperometric analysis at an optimum potential of +0.70 V showed linear detection ranges from 0.8 µM to 1 mM and from 1 mM to 5 mM, and good characteristics, such as high sensitivity (6214.4 µA mM−1 cm–2), low limit of detection (0.8 µM), a fast response time (less than 2 s), and excellent anti-interference capability toward the oxidation of glucose. The cost-effective and facile fabrication suggests that the prepared glucose-sensing element can be potentially adapted for construction as a disposable.