Synergistic ZnO-NiO composites for superior Fiber-Shaped Non-Enzymatic glucose sensing

Abstract

The rise in diabetes requires new glucose sensors, as traditional enzyme-based and planar electrodes are sensitive to the environment and hard to integrate into wearables. This study addresses these issues by developing a flexible, non-enzymatic glucose sensor using a co-sputtered ZnO: NiO (NZ) composite on PET fiber. This design enhances the tensile strength (60 mm at 3.2 kg.f) and conductance (0.23 S) of Cu-coated PET fiber, forming a durable sensing platform. The electrode's enhanced electrochemical surface area (0.13 cm2) offers abundant active sites for glucose interaction, while the synergistic interface effect boosts ion and charge transport, improving glucose sensing. The sensor achieves high sensitivity (28.96 mA·cm−2·mM−1), fast response time (23 s), and a low detection limit (0.25 mM), while maintaining 78 % of its sensitivity after 500 bending cycles. These features, combined with good electrochemical stability—retaining 60 % of its initial performance after prolonged electrolyte exposure—mark a significant advancement in wearable glucose monitoring. © 2024 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry