Synergistic Effect of Composite Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles and Carbon Fiber on the Enhancement of Salivary Enzyme-Free Glucose Sensing

An electrospinning method was used for the preparation of an in situ composite based on Ni(2)P nanoparticles and carbon fiber (FC). The material was tested for the first time against direct glucose oxidation reaction. The Ni(2)P nanoparticles were distributed homogeneously throughout the carbon fibers with a composition determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of 40 wt% Ni(2)P and 60 wt% carbon fiber without impurities in the sample. The electrochemical measurement results indicate that the GCE/FC/Ni(2)P in situ sensor exhibits excellent catalytic activity compared to the GCE/Ni(2)P and GCE/FC/Ni(2)P ex situ electrodes. The GCE/FC/Ni(2)P in situ sensor presents a sensitivity of 1050 µAmM(−1)cm(−2) in the range of 5–208 µM and a detection limit of 0.25 µM. The sensor was applied for glucose detection in artificial saliva, with a low interference observed from normally coexisting electroactive species. In conclusion, our sensor represents a novel and analytical competitive alternative for the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors in the future.