Electrodeposition of a 3D hierarchical porous flower-like cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

Abstract

In this work, pure cobalt and a cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite were electrodeposited on a mild steel substrate using an acetate bath. The surface morphology, elemental composition and the preferred orientation of pure cobalt and the cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite were characterized using SEM, EDAX and XRD analysis. The SEM images of the Co–MWCNT composite exhibited as nanoflakes which are interconnected to form a 3D hierarchical porous flower-like morphology. MWCNTs are well incorporated into the matrix. XRD also confirmed the composite formation and the presence of CNTs. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric techniques were employed to characterize the electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode towards glucose detection. The results revealed that the proposed sensing material synergistically acts as an electrocatalyst for the electrooxidation of glucose with enhanced sensitivity and a lower detection limit. The fast current response signals, wide linear range and higher selectivity make the cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite electrode a favorable candidate for practical glucose detection applications.