3D porous CNT/MnO2 composite electrode for high-performance enzymeless glucose detection and supercapacitor application

We successfully developed a 3D porous CNT/MnO2 composite electrode based on manganese oxide and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a simple "dipping and drying" process followed by a potentionstatic deposition technology for non-enzymatic glucose detection and supercapacitor applications. The composition and structure of the as-prepared electrode were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field Emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The electrochemical performances were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP) and Amperometric i-t techniques. The as-prepared sensor could accurately detect glucose in 0.5 M NaOH solution in the presence of interferences, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid and fructose, with a high sensitivity up to 3406.4 mu A/(cm(2) mM). These excellent electrochemical performances were closely related to the synergistic effect of two components and the unique 3D porous architecture of the electrode. A symmetrical supercapacitor has been also fabricated using the novel electrodes and it exhibited a high specific capacitance of 160.5 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g which can rival with the asymmetrical supercapacitor. Such symmetrical device delivered prominent energy density of 22.3 Wh kg(-1) at the power density of 500 W kg(-1). All of these perfect performances paved the way for this hybrid to be a potential competitive candidate in the application of glucose sensor and supercapacitor. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.