Porous Ni3N nanosheet array as a catalyst for nonenzymatic amperometric determination of glucose

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with an array of porous Ni3N nanosheets (Ni3N NA) and studied for its use in nonenzymatic electrochemical detection of glucose. The morphology and structure of the Ni3N NA were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the Ni3N NA acts as an efficient catalyst for the electro-oxidation of glucose at pH 13, best at a working voltage of 0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Figures of merit include (a) high sensitivity (39 mu A.mM(-1).cm(-2)), (b) a low limit of detection (0.48 mu M), and (c) a linear range that extends from 2 mu M to 7.5 mM. The sensor was applied to the determination of glucose levels in human serum, and satisfactory results were obtained.