Non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on nickel nitride decorated nitrogen doped carbon spheres (Ni3N/NCS) via facile one pot nitridation process.

Nickel nitride decorated nitrogen doped carbon spheres (Ni 3 N/NCS) were synthesized via an eco-friendly one pot nitridation process. The morphology and structure, chemical composition, and electrochemical properties of Ni 3 N/NCS were characterized vie different methods. The Ni 3 N nanoparticles with average diameter of 20 nm were uniformly decorated on the surface of nitrogen doped carbon spheres. The constructed Ni 3 N/NCS sensor exhibited excellent performance for non-enzymatic glucose sensing, which included two wide linear ranges of 1 μM–3000 μM and 3000 μM - 7000 μM with high sensitivity of 2024.18 μAmM−1cm−2 and 1256.98 μAmM−1cm−2. The corresponding detection limits in lower and higher concentration ranges were 0.1 μM and 0.35 μM respectively. The significantly improved electrochemical performance of Ni 3 N/NCS may be due to the rapid charge transfer and high conductivity of Ni 3 N/NCS/GCE, originating from the synergistic effect of Ni 3 N and nitrogen doped carbon spheres. Moreover, the Ni 3 N/NCS sensor also displayed satisfactory recovery results for glucose detection in serum samples. The kinetics of glucose oxidation on the Ni 3 N/NCS electrode were also studied to understand the electrochemical reaction on the surface of the materials. Moreover, the possible mechanisms about the glucose sensing and the formation of Ni 3 N/NCS were also discussed. The present study may provide a rational strategy to eco-friendly prepare highly efficient electrocatalysts for non-enzymatic glucose sensing applications. • The Ni 3 N/NCS was prepared via a facile eco-friendly one pot nitridation process. • Highly improved non-enzymatic glucose sensing performance was obtained on Ni 3 N/NCS. • Enhanced electrochemical activity may be due to the synergistic effect of Ni 3 N and NCS. • The combination of Ni 3 N with NCS accelerated the charge transfer in the electrocatalyst. • The study may provide a rational strategy to design highly efficient sensing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]