Facile Preparation of High-Performance Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Based on Au/CuO Nanocomposites

Abstract

Non-enzymatic glucose sensing has attracted considerable interest as a promising alternative to enzyme-based sensors, addressing limitations such as poor stability and high cost. To overcome the challenges of expensive noble metals and the inherent issues of pure copper oxide (CuO), including low conductivity and aggregation tendency, this study developed a composite sensing material based on two-dimensional CuO nanosheets decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). A series of Au/CuO nanocomposites with varying Au loadings were synthesized through a combined hydrothermal and in situ reduction approach. Systematic electrochemical characterization revealed that the composite with 7.41 wt% Au loading exhibited optimal sensing performance, achieving sensitivities of 394.29 and 257.14 μA·mM−1·cm−2 across dual linear ranges of 5–3550 μM and 4550–11,550 μM, respectively, with a detection limit of 10 μM and a rapid response time of 3 s. The sensor also demonstrated selectivity against common interferents as well as long-term stability. This work highlights the importance of precise noble metal loading control in optimizing sensor performance and offers a feasible material design strategy for developing high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensors.