MOFs-derived core-shell structured NiCo₂O_4NWs@Co₃O_4NPs for non-enzymatic glucose detection

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit many structural advantages, such as large specific surface area and abundant active sites, which make them promising candidates as electrode materials for non-enzymatic glucose sensors. In this work, using MOFs as templates, MOFs derived Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) were in-situ synthesized on the surface of NiCo₂O₄ nanowires (NWs), forming a self-supporting electrode based on nickel foam (NF), which was directly used for the detection of glucose. Because of the presence of MOFs derivatives and self-supporting structures, NF/NiCo₂O_4NWs@Co₃O_4NPs electrode exhibits good structural stability and high conductivity, which ensure the excellent electrocatalytic performance. The NF/NiCo₂O_4NWs@Co₃O_4NPs electrode shows prominent electrocatalytic performance toward glucose with a wide testing range (0.001–1.7 mmol/L), high sensitivity (8163.2 μA cm⁻² mM⁻¹), fast response time (within 1 s), high anti-interference ability and long-term stability. Further, the electrode was used to test different glucose levels in live mouse serum samples, showing acceptable reliability and high accuracy comparing with blood glucose meter test (medical test method). Thus, NF/NiCo₂O_4NWs@Co₃O_4NPs electrode with self-supporting core-shell nanostructure will be a promising candidate applied in non-enzymatic glucose sensors.