Fabrication of electrochemically stable 3D V2O5/Nickel foam electrode with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity for high-performance glucose sensing

Abstract

With the growing demand for robust and cost-effective glucose sensors, the advancement of non-enzymatic photoelectrochemical (PEC) alternatives is becoming increasingly crucial. This study presents a novel 3D V2O5/NF electrode, synthesized without surfactants or reducing agents to ensure pristine quality and optimal performance. The V2O5 was directly grown on nickel foam, achieving an electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of 58.5 cm2 and demonstrating favorable band edge potentials (ECB =-0.72 eV, EVB = 1.43 eV vs. NHE) that enhance the efficiency of glucose oxidation under light irradiation. The electrode exhibits outstanding PEC glucose sensing capabilities with a sensitivity of 82 mu A.mM-1.cm-2, a rapid response time of 5 s, and a broad linear detection range from 0.3 to 8.5 mM. Real-sample analysis with mango juice confirmed its practical applicability, highlighting its robust glucose detection in complex matrices. Notably, it maintains superior stability with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 20 % over 15 days and shows excellent reproducibility, with an RSD of 5.56 % across different electrode batches. This advancement establishes a new benchmark in non-enzymatic PEC glucose sensing, paving the way for future innovations in high-performance electrochemical sensors.