Application of graphene–copper sulfide nanocomposite modified electrode for electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of hemoglobin

In this paper a graphene (GR) and copper sulfide (CuS) nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method and used for the electrode modification with a N-butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate based carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) as the substrate electrode. Hemoglobin (Hb) was immobilized on the modified electrode to get a biocompatible sensing platform. UV–vis absorption spectroscopic results confirmed that Hb retained its native secondary structure in the composite. Direct electron transfer of Hb incorporated into the nanocomposite was investigated with a pair of well-defined redox waves appeared on cyclic voltammogram, indicating the realization of direct electrochemistry of Hb on the modified electrode. The results can be ascribed to the presence of GR–CuS nanocomposite on the electrode surface that facilitates the electron transfer rate between the electroactive center of Hb and the electrode. The Hb modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of trichloroacetic acid in the concentration range from 3.0 to 64.0mmolL−1 with the detection limit of 0.20mmolL−1 (3σ). The fabricated biosensor displayed the advantages such as high sensitivity, good reproducibility and long-term stability. •Graphene–copper sulfide nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method.•Hemoglobin and graphene–copper sulfide nanocomposite modified carbon ionic liquid electrode was fabricated.•Direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin on the modified electrode was realized.•Electrocatalysis to the reduction of trichloroacetic acid was investigated.