Anneal-shrinked Cu₂O dendrites grown on porous Cu foam as a robust interface for high-performance nonenzymatic glucose sensing

Enzyme-free electrochemical detection of glucose in alkaline media with favorable properties has been acquired by fabricating a robust and large-surface sensing platform, which is composed of anneal-shrinked Cu₂O dendrites grown on porous Cu foam. On the one hand, the good compatibility of electrodeposited Cu₂O architectures and Cu foam substrate, together with a post-deposition anneal at 200 °C, offers a mechanically stable interface for glucose determination. On the other hand, the macropores of Cu foam that is decorated with unique Cu₂O dendrites provide large active surface for electrocatalytic reaction and mass transport. As a result, selective sensing of glucose in the linear concentration range of 0.001–1.4 mM was achieved on the fabricated sensor, with a sensitivity of as high as 5.04 mA cm⁻² mM⁻¹ and a detection limit of 0.13 μM. Desired long-term performance stability was obtained, partially due to the strong adhesion of Cu₂O microstructures to the Cu foam support after annealing. Practical monitoring of glucose in serum samples was also demonstrated on the proposed sensor.