Solution plasma method direct synthesis of Au/CuO nanoparticles for glucose enzyme-free detection

Au/CuO nanoparticles with a size range of 20–40 nm directly synthesized by solution plasma method in water have been successfully applied to the non-enzyme detection of glucose. The electrocatalytic activities of Au/CuO nanoparticles toward glucose were evaluated in an alkaline solution by cyclic voltammetry and real-time current method. Research results demonstrate that the biosensor modified by Au/CuO catalysts has a fast reaction time (< 3 s) and low detection limit (0.22 µM). There are two specific linear ranges of 0.22 µM–1 mM and 3 mM–18 mM, with the sensitivities of 172.45 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and 63.66 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², respectively. Moreover, it also exhibited remarkable current response, good stability (87% after 50 days), superior reproducibility, and excellent selectivity in interfering species (such as D-fructose, ascorbic acid and uric acid). Therefore, the Au/CuO nanoparticles directly synthesized by solution plasma method can be implemented to the enzyme-free detection of glucose.