Study of the application of a Cu2O thin film as non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensor

[Display omitted] This study focused on synthesizing Cu2O thin films and investigating their potential as non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensors. The Cu2O films were electrochemically synthesized on FTO substrates at a constant potential. Characterization of the films was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical characterization revealed that higher oxidation state copper species are involved in the glucose oxidation process. Electrocatalytic activity was assessed using linear potential sweep (LPS) and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques, which yielding favorable values for the merit figures. Additionally, minimal response to various electroactive interferences was observed, demonstrating the sensor’s reproducibility and stability over time. In conclusion, the Cu2O electrode proposed in this study shows promise for non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensing applications. •The Cu2O thin film was obtained by reduction of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions of Cu(II) acetate and without heat treatment.•The glucose oxidation process on the Cu2O thin film took place through higher oxidation state copper species [Cu(II) and Cu(III)].•The system studied presents a linear behavior in a wide glucose concentration range (0.10 mM≤[Glucose] ≤ 15 mM).•The proposed amperometric sensor presents a minimal response to interfering species, such as, ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), dopamine acid (DA) and sucrose (SA). The detection and control of glucose (Glu) levels in both food and biological samples have gained importance in recent decades, as imbalances in glucose levels can lead to health complications such as diabetes mellitus. Consequently, this study focused on synthesizing thin films of Cu2O and evaluating their application as a non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensor. The Cu2O films were obtained on FTO at a constant potential (−0.575 V vs. SMSE), in an inert atmosphere and at room temperature. The electrolyte solution consisted of 0.02 M of copper acetate (Cu(OOCCH3)2) and 0.1 M of sodium acetate (NaOOCCH3) at pH 5.79, in a three-electrode cell. The films obtained were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). On the other hand, the electrocatalytic activity was studied using linear potential sweep (LPS) and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. From these techniques, it was possible to determine the sensitivity (228.1 µA mM−1 cm−2), limit of detection (LOD 2.49 x 10-3 mM), limit