Facile synthesis of bamboo-like Ni3S2@NCNT as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for non-enzymatic glucose detection

[Display omitted] •Design and synthesis of bamboo-like Ni3S2@NCNT (N-doped carbon nanotube).•Ni nanoparticles assist the growth of NCNTs, and NCNTs aid dispersions of Ni.•Controlled hydrothermal sulfuration tailors Ni electronic density of state.•Synergistic effects between Ni3S2 and NCNTs enhance catalytic performances.•Ni3S2@NCNT exhibits excellent sensitivity and linear range for glucose detection. The rational design and controllable synthesis of metal–carbon composites as low cost and efficient catalysts have become the focus of research on non-enzymatic glucose detection. Herein, nickel sulfide nanocrystals encapsulated/dispersed by bamboo-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Ni3S2@NCNT) are facilely synthesized by pyrolysis and sulfuration of Ni2+-dicyandiamide complex. During the pyrolysis, nickel nanoparticles are formed to promote the growth of NCNTs, while the NCNTs can disperse Ni nanoparticles to prevent them from oxidation and aggregations. The synergistic effects between Ni3S2 active sites and NCNTs also facilitate electronic transfer and enhance catalytic performances. Thus, Ni3S2@NCNT demonstrates excellent performances on glucose oxidation with unprecedented sensitivity (1447.64 μA mM−1 cm−2), low detection limit (0.14 μM), and wide linear range (0.46 μM-3.19 mM). Furthermore, as-fabricated sensors with superior performances indicate promising application prospects on non-enzymatic glucose detection in artificial sweat. This study will provide a general strategy for the controllable fabrication of catalysts with similar structures for other applications.