Amperometric glucose sensor based on 3D ordered nickel–palladium nanomaterial supported by silicon MCP array

A novel silicon-based amperometric sensor for the determination of glucose is described. In this sensor, Ni–Pd nanoparticles as the sensing materials adhere onto a supporter comprising the 3D ordered silicon microchannel plate (MCP) serving as the electrode. The 3D ordered Si MCP is fabricated by electrochemical etching, and the Ni–Pd nanoparticles are obtained by electroless deposition of nickel and palladium onto the sidewall of the MCP followed by annealing at 300 °C under argon to stabilize the structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and electrochemical methods are adopted to characterize the Ni–Pd/Si-MCP nanocomposite sensing electrode. This nanocomposite material shows good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose in alkaline solutions. They exhibit very strong and sensitive current responses to glucose even in the presence of high concentrations of interfering species, in addition to showing excellent long-term stability and good reproducibility.