Ultra-small dispersed CuxO nanoparticles on graphene fibers for miniaturized electrochemical sensor applications

Abstract

A graphene microfiber (GF) modified with ultrafine Cu_xO nanoparticles (Cu_xONPs/GF) has been fabricated by direct annealing of electrodeposited nano-sized copper-based metal organic frameworks (HKUST-1) and used as an electrode for nonenzymatic H₂O₂ sensing. Benefiting from the unique microfiber architecture and synergetic effects, as well as strong coupling between components with many active sites and boosted electron transport, the Cu_xONPs/GF electrode shows prominent sensitivity, selectivity and long-term operational stability for the detection of H₂O₂. Further work successfully applied this Cu_xONPs/GF electrode to detection of H₂O₂ in real samples such as milk and human serum. These results indicate that the Cu_xONPs/GF is a promising mini-sized sensor in electrochemical analysis.