Preparation of reduced graphene oxide-Ni(OH)2 composites by electrophoretic deposition: application for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

A sensitive and stable non-enzymatic sensing platform for D-glucose based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix modified with Ni(OH)(2) nanostructures was established. The sensing matrix was fabricated in one-step through an electrophoretic deposition approach. It is based on the mixing of negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) with nickel ions resulting in a positively charged composite making cathodic electrophoretic deposition possible. The thickness of the resulting rGO/Ni(OH)(2) matrix deposited on Au could be controlled by varying the time of electrophoretic deposition. The rGO/Ni(OH)(2) matrix was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The rGO/Ni(OH)(2) electrodes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic behaviour towards glucose oxidation in alkaline medium. The response current of the sensor is linear to glucose concentrations from 15 mu M to 30 mu M with a sensitivity of 11.4 +/- 0 mA cm(-2) mM(-1). The interface was much more stable than drop-cast films. These results pave the way for electrophoretic deposition as a competitive alternative over drop-casting for the fabrication of rGO modified interfaces.