Advances of Transition Metal-Based Electrochemical Non-enzymatic Glucose Sensors for Glucose Analysis: A Review

Abstract

Glucose concentration is a crucial parameter for assessing human health. Over recent years, non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors have drawn considerable attention due to their substantial progress. This review explores the common mechanism behind the transition metal-based electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose molecules through classical electrocatalytic frameworks like the Pletcher model and the Hydrous Oxide-Adatom Mediator model (IHOAM), as well as the redox reactions at the transition metal centers. It further compiles the electrochemical characterization techniques, associated formulas, and their ensuing conclusions pertinent to transition metal-based non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors. Subsequently, the review covers the latest advancements in the field of transition metal-based active materials and support materials used in non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors in the last decade (2014–2023). Additionally, it presents a comprehensive classification of representative studies according to the active metal catalysts components involved.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Electrochemical
• glucose
• mechanism
• non-enzymatic
• sensor

Abbreviations in the tables

Morphology

NPs: nanoparticles; NSs: nanosheets; NFs: nanofibers; NFA: nanofibers array; NCs: nanoclusters; NT: nanotubes; NTA: nanotubes array; NSA: nanosheets array; NBs: nanobelts; NWs: nanowires; NWA: nanowires array; CS: core-shell; NCBs: nano cubes; HSs: hollow spheres; NRs: nanorods; NRA: nanorods array.

Materials

rGO: reduced graphene oxide; CS: chitosan; LIG: laser-induced graphene; LIGF: LIG fibers; FLG: few layered graphene; SWCNT: single walled carbon nanotube; NPGF: nanoporous gold film; GO-COOAu: Au nanoparticles modified carboxylated graphene oxide; CNT: carbon nanotube; MWCNTs: Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes; P2AT: Poly (2-aminothiophenol); PAPBA: Poly (3-aminophenyl boronic acid); PANI: Polyaniline; GQDs: graphene quantum dots; DS: dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium; SA: self-assembly; GlcA: glucuronic acid; GOH: graphene oxide hydrogel; PVP: Polyvinyl-Pyrrolidone; L: 2,6-bis (benzimidazol-2-yl) −4-hydroxypyridine; GNs: graphene nanosheets; TPA: terephthalic acid; NCNs: nanoporous carbon nanorods; NC: N-doped carbon; ERGO: electrochemically reduced graphene oxide; MG-BDD: microcrystalline graphite-boron doped diamond; BDD: boron doped diamond; NCSs: nitrogen doped carbon spheres; NCNT: nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes; CSs: carbon spheres; NCO: NiCo2O4;oPPy: over-oxidized polypyrrole; Cp coordination polymer; Psi: porous silicon; MAF: metal azolate framework; N-Co-CNT: nitrogen doped Co-CNTs; g-SiCNT: graphenic SiC nanotube; G-PANI (COOH): poly (aniline-co-anthranilic acid) -grafted graphene; PEI: polyethylene imine; PEDOT:PSS: poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate); HHNs: hydrophilic hierarchically-porous nanoflowers; CZO: Co-doped ZnO; P4VP-co-PAN: copolymer poly (4-vinylpyridine)-co-poly (acrylonitrile); PoPD: poly (o-phenylenediamine); PmPD: poly (m-phenylenediamine); BioHAP: biomineralization hydroxyapatite; CNCs: Carbon nanocoils; PBTh: polybithiophene; DGF: defective graphene flakes; GNPs: graphene nanoplatelets; PDDA: Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride; HNTs: halloysite nanotubes; IFMC: ionic liquid derived fibrillated mesoporous carbon; BFC: biological fuel cell; PCNS: porous carbon nanosheets; POT: poly (o-toluidine); NX: nano X zeolite; CRs: carbon rods; FCCL: flexible copper clad laminate; BDC: 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid); MOFs: metal–organic frameworks; MIL-53: NiFe MOF; ZIF-67: Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67.

Substrate

GCE: glass carbon electrode; Ni foam: NF; PDMS: Polydimethylsiloxane; GF: Graphene fiber; SPE: screen-printed electrode; SPCE: screen-printed carbon electrode; ITO: indium tin oxide; GP: Graphene paper; PU: polyurethane; AuE: Au electrode; PI: Polyimide; CC: carbon cloth; CP: carbon paper; TF: Ti foil; GE: graphite electrode; Cf: Cu foil; CF: Cu Foam; FTO: fluorine-doped tin oxide; PGE: Pencil graphite electrode; NFG: nickel foam graphene; IF: Iron foam; GSE: graphite sheet electrode; NG or N-G: nitrogen-doped functionalized graphene; PET: Polyethylene terephthalate; GR: graphite rod; CS: Cu sheet; CPE: carbon paste electrode; CFP: carbon fiber paper; DS: Dendritic structure.

Technique

CV: cyclic voltammetry; LSV: linear sweep voltammetry; DPV: differential pulse voltammetry.

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the University Capacity Building Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (21010502800), Excellent Engineer Joint Training and Practice Base Project in University of Shanghai for Science and Technology.