Flexible paper sensor fabricated via in situ growth of Cu nanoflower on RGO sheets towards amperometrically non-enzymatic detection of glucose

A flexible free-standing paper sensor was fabricated for the first time via in situ growth of Cu nanoflower on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets towards amperometrically non-enzymatic detection of glucose. The low cost of copper (Cu) and graphene made the prepared sensor inexpensive in comparison with sensors made from noble metal catalysts. This Cu-RGO paper sensor exhibited high sensitivity and good selectivity when utilised in glucose sensing attributed to the synergistic effects of graphene paper and Cu nanoflowers. The combination of excellent catalytic activity, largely reactive surface area of Cu nanoflower and good conductivity of graphene paper enabled the sensor to perform well in glucose detection. The prepared glucose sensor holds a great promise for inexpensive flexible electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensors.