Synergistic Effect of Composite Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles and Carbon Fiber on the Enhancement of Salivary Enzyme-Free Glucose Sensing.

An electrospinning method was used for the preparation of an in situ composite based on Ni 2 P nanoparticles and carbon fiber (FC). The material was tested for the first time against direct glucose oxidation reaction. The Ni 2 P nanoparticles were distributed homogeneously throughout the carbon fibers with a composition determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of 40 wt% Ni 2 P and 60 wt% carbon fiber without impurities in the sample. The electrochemical measurement results indicate that the GCE/FC/Ni 2 P in situ sensor exhibits excellent catalytic activity compared to the GCE/Ni 2 P and GCE/FC/Ni 2 P ex situ electrodes. The GCE/FC/Ni 2 P in situ sensor presents a sensitivity of 1050 µAmM -1 cm -2 in the range of 5-208 µM and a detection limit of 0.25 µM. The sensor was applied for glucose detection in artificial saliva, with a low interference observed from normally coexisting electroactive species. In conclusion, our sensor represents a novel and analytical competitive alternative for the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors in the future.