Preparation of nickel oxide and carbon nanosheet array and its application in glucose sensing

Nickel oxide and carbon (NiO/C) nanosheet array was fabricated on Ti foil for the first time by calcining the precursor, which was synthesized through the hydrothermal reaction of nickel acetate, urea and glucose. The slow release of OH − by the hydrolysis of urea aided in the direct nucleation and adhesion of precursor seeds on Ti substrate. The presence of carbon ensured a large specific surface area and good conductivity of the final NiO/C composite. The prepared NiO/C nanosheet array exhibited higher catalytic oxidation activity of glucose compared with the pure NiO nanosheet at a detection limit of 2 μM, linear range up to 2.6 mM ( R 2=0.99961), and sensitivity of 582.6 μAm M −1 cm −2. With good analytical performance, simple preparation and low cost, this composite is promising for nonenzymatic glucose sensing. The thickness of nanosheets is about 90–120 nm. They are decorated with small particles. In glucose sensing, NiO and carbon composite exhibits higher response current than pure NiO [Display omitted] . ► Nickel oxide and carbon (NiO/C) nanosheet array was prepared on Ti substrate. ► Presence of carbon ensured a large specific surface area and a good conductivity. ► NiO/C composite showed better performance in glucose sensing than pure NiO.