Zn2+ induced self-assembled fabrication of marigold-like ZnO microflower@Ni(OH)2 three-dimensional nanosheets for nonenzymatic glucose sensing

Precise control over the structure and morphology of nano/microarchitectures is the topic of immense interest to tune their physical features and chemical aspects for desired applications. In this work, a novel and effective Ni(OH)2 three-dimensional nanosheet-coated marigold-like ZnO microflower ([email protected](OH)2 NSs) hybrid is designed for the nonenzymatic electrochemical determination of glucose. The morphological evolution of mg-ZnO and [email protected](OH)2 NSs was achieved by a one-pot solvothermal strategy through control over the reaction conditions without any assistance of an external shape-controlling surfactant. Furthermore, the as-fabricated mg-ZnO and [email protected](OH)2 NSs were systematically evaluated by different spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical characterization tools. The results indicate that highly exposed homogeneous nanocorners of mg-ZnO and the synergetic effect of Ni(OH)2 coating, collectively improve the electrocatalytic efficiency of the designed catalyst. The [email protected](OH)2 NS-based sensing electrode exhibits excellent amperometric performance for glucose monitoring, comprising satisfactory sensitivity (259.78 and 62.82 μA mM−1 cm−2), wide linear range (0.084–0.941 mM and 0.941–6.50 mM), low limit of detection (0.06 µM, S/N = 3), good stability and high detection selectivity. Moreover, the designed sensor is promising for the potential application in the real-time glucose detection of human serum samples.