A novel non-enzymatic ECL sensor for glucose using palladium nanoparticles supported on functional carbon nanotubes

A novel non-enzymatic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs)–functional carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) was discovered for glucose detection. PdNPs were homogeneously modified on FCNTs using a facile spontaneous redox reaction method. Their morphologies were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on ECL experimental results, the PdNPs–FCNTs–Nafion film modified electrode displayed high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose. The free radicals generated by the glucose oxidation reacted with the luminol anion (LH⁻), and enhanced the ECL signal. Under the optimized conditions, the linear response of ECL intensity to glucose concentration was valid in the range from 0.5 to 40 μmol L⁻¹ (r² = 0.9974) with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.09 μmol L⁻¹. In addition, the modified electrode presented high resistance towards the poisoning of chloride ion, high selectivity and long-term stability. In order to verify the sensor reliability, it was applied to the determination of glucose in glucose injection samples. The results indicated that the proposed approach provided a highly sensitive, more facile method with good reproducibility for glucose determination, promising the development of a non-enzymatic ECL glucose sensor.