NiCo2O4/Ti2NbC2 (double MXene) nanohybrid-based non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for the detection of glucose in sweat

Abstract

The non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors are attractive due to their high sensitivity, quick detection, low cost, and simple construction. Hence, in this work, a non-enzymatic biosensor was constructed with NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles (~ 82 nm) decorated over Ti₂NbC₂ nanosheets by an in-situ method. The crystal structure, phase purity, morphology and elemental composition of the synthesized NiCo₂O₄/Ti₂NbC₂ nanohybrid was investigated using XRD, Raman and FESEM analysis. The electrocatalytic and electrochemical behaviour of the prepared nanohybrid was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry analysis. Hybrid of NiCo₂O₄/Ti₂NbC₂ produces a biocompatible, electrochemically active surface with enhanced electrical conductivity. The enhanced surface area of NiCo₂O₄ and superior electrical conductivity of Ti₂NbC₂ nanosheets helped to develop non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor with enhanced sensitivity (425.6 µA mM^-1cm^-2), low limit of detection and quick response time that satisfy glucose detection applications. Thus, the developed non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor has excellent electrochemical properties and making it as a strong candidate for the detection of glucose concentration in sweat.

Keywords: Biosensor; Double MXene; Electrochemical sensor; Nanohybrid material; Non-enzymatic sensor; Sweat glucose.