Development of non-enzymatic glucose electrode based on Au nanoparticles decorated single-walled carbon nanohorns

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based composite decorating with single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) was synthesized and modified on a gold electrode for non-enzymatic glucose detection. The composite was synthesized by a simple covalent bonding method. The AuNPs with an average particle size of 40 nm are dispersed homogeneously on the surface of the SWCNHs. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the AuNPs and the SWCNHs leads to an excellent glucose sensing performance. The AuNPs/SWCNHs nanocomposites acted as a fast redox probe for non-enzymatic glucose oxidation exhibiting good performance, including a high sensitivity (275.33 and 352.5 mu A cm(-2) mM(-1)), a low detection limit of 0.72 mu M (S/N = 3). AuNPs/SWCNHs glucose sensor also demonstrates good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity. Moreover, the glucose contents detected by this electrode was in right agreement with real value in blood samples. In summary, this study showed that AuNPs/SWCNHs nanoparticles have the potential to be used in non-enzymatic glucose detection.