Synthesis of Self-Assembled CuO Sphere Structures and Their Glucose Sensing Characteristics

Abstract

Cupric oxide (CuO) sphere structures by hydrothermal synthesis are investigated for non-enzymatic glucose sensors. Firstly, different CuO spheres are synthesized on ITO/glass substrates to analyze the catalytic ability to glucose. Copper acetate, copper nitrate trihydrate, and various amount of ammonia water are used to self-assemble CuO spheres. The experimental results indicate that by using precursor of copper nitrate trihydrate and 5 ml ammonia water, CuO spheres have high sensitivity of 2128.44 μA mM−1 cm−2 to glucose. Besides, it has good linear range between 0.5–2.5 mM glucose concentration. The structure has more gaps between each nanoleaf and more reaction sites to react with glucose. Furthermore, the current variation of the working electrode after adding other interferences is negligible. It also has great anti-interference ability. Superior performances of the CuO spheres to glucose can help more accurately and quickly detecting diabetes.