Nickel sulfide nanoworm (Ni3S2 NW) network architecture was directly grown on the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-reduced graphene oxide hybrid films (PEDOT-rGO HFs) modified on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), acting as a binder-free sensor for high-performance non-enzymatic glucose monitoring. The sensor exhibited the satisfactory sensitivity (2123 μA mM-1 cm-2), wide linear range (15~9105 μM), low detection limit (0.48 μM), and rapid response time (< 1.5 s) at a potential of 0.5 V (vs. SCE) in 0.1 M NaOH and possessed good selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the sensor towards glucose oxidation was attributed to the particular morphology, satisfying hydrophilic nature, strong combination between Ni3S2 NWs, PEDOT-rGO, and bare GCE. Moreover, it can be used for assaying glucose in human serum samples without dilution, indicating potential for clinical diagnostic applications. Graphical abstract Nickel sulfide nanoworms (Ni3S2 NWs)/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-reduced graphene oxide hybrid films (PEDOT-rGO HFs) were used to construct a binder-free high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensor with satisfactory sensitivity, wide linear range, low detection limit, good selectivity, amazing reproducibility, and stability.
Keywords: Binder-free sensor; Electrocatalytic activity; Human serum analysis; Nickel sulfide nanoworms; Non-enzymatic glucose sensor; PEDOT-rGO hybrid films.