Three-dimensional flexible polyurethane decorated with Ni and reduced graphene oxide for high-sensitive sensing of glucose

Herein, a novel rationally designed nickel/reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane (Ni/RGO/PU) electrode was prepared through multiple immersing-drying processes and electrodeposition methods subsequently, using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as the support material, nickel (Ni) as the catalyst, and three-dimensional flexible polyurethane sponge as the electrode substrate. The porous structure of the polyurethane sponge provides a larger surface area for the Ni/RGO/PU electrode and creates favorable conditions for the loading of RGO. At the same time, the rough surface of the RGO sheet provides good support for the electrodeposition of Ni, and its excellent conductivity endows a fast electron transmission channel, which is conducive to the rapid adsorption and reaction of glucose on the electrode surface. The results show that the Ni/RGO/PU electrode has excellent electrocatalytic oxidation performance for glucose, and it has superb sensitivities of 20050 μA mM−1 cm−2 with a detection range of 0.01–2.0 mM and 4876 μA mM−1 cm−2 with a detection range of 2.0–4.0 mM for non-enzymatic detection of glucose. Furthermore, the Ni/RGO/PU electrode can successfully detect glucose in fetal bovine serum (FBS). Therefore, the Ni/RGO/PU electrode appears to be a promising candidate for high-sensitivity and sustainable stable non-enzymatic glucose sensors.