Different CuO Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications for Glucose Sensors

Three different nanostructures of CuO (wires, platelets, and spindles) have been synthesized by one precursor. First, Cu(OH)2 nanowires have been prepared by a two-step, template-free, wet chemical approach. And then the transformation from the 1D Cu(OH)2 nanostructures to a variety of novel CuO nanostructures has been realized by thermal dehydration of the as-prepared Cu(OH)2 in solution. The electrochemical characters of the three different nanostructures are studied by their investigation of electrochemical impendance spectrum and cyclic voltammetry. A comparison of the three nanostructures showed us an attractive phenomenon, that is, the electron transfer ability of CuO nanospindles was stronger than that of CuO nanowires or nanoplatelets. We suggest the possible reason is the assembly of the nanostructrue. The electrochemical response of the as-prepared samples on H2O2 is also investigated, and good application in electrochemical detecting of glucose is exhibited.