Three-Dimensional Porous Nickel Frameworks Anchored with Cross-Linked Ni(OH)₂ Nanosheets as a Highly Sensitive Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensor

Abstract

A facile and scalable in situ microelectrolysis nanofabrication technique is developed for preparing cross-linked Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets on a novel three-dimensional porous nickel template (Ni(OH)₂@3DPN). For the constructed template, the porogen of NaCl particles not only induces a self-limiting surficial hot corrosion to claim the "start engine stop" mechanism but also serves as the primary battery electrolyte to greatly accelerate the growth of Ni(OH)₂. As far as we know, the microelectrolysis nanofabrication is superior to the other reported Ni(OH)₂ synthesis methods due to the mild condition (60 °C, 6 h, NaCl solution, ambient environment) and without any post-treatment. The integrated Ni(OH)₂@3DPN electrode with a highly suitable microstructure and a porous architecture implies a potential application in electrochemistry. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the electrode was employed for nonenzymatic glucose sensing, which exhibits an outstanding sensitivity of 2761.6 μA mM^-1 cm^-2 ranging from 0.46 to 2100 μM, a fast response, and a low detection limit. The microelectrolysis nanofabrication is a one-step, binder-free, entirely green, and therefore it has a distinct advantage to improve clean production and reduce energy consumption.