Development of flexible glucose measurement sensor based on copper nanocubes electroplated laser induced graphene electrode

In this paper, we describe the development of a non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on copper nanocubes(Cu NCs) electroplated laser induced graphene(LIG) electrodes which can detect a certain range of glucose concentrations. CO₂ laser equipment was used to form LIG electrodes on the PI film. This fabrication method allows easy control of the LIG electrode size and shape. The Cu NCs were electrochemically deposited on the LIG electrodes to improve electron transfer rates and thus enhancing electrocatalytic reaction with glucose. The average sheet resistances before and after electroplating were 15.6 Ω/□ and 19.6 Ω/□, respectively, which confirmed that copper nanocubes were formed on the laser induced graphene electrodes. The prepared electrode was used to measure the current according to glucose concentration using an electrochemical method. The LIG electrodes with Cu NCs demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity (1643.31 μA/mM.cm²), good stability with a linear response to glucose ranging from 0.05 mM to 1 mM concentration, and a limit of detection of 0.05 mM. In order to verify that these electrodes can be used as flexible devices, the electrodes were bent to 30°, 90°, and 180° and cyclic voltammetry measurements were taken while the electrodes were bent. The measured data showed that the peak voltage was almost constant at 0.42 V and the signal was stable even in the flexed condition. Therefore, it is concluded that these electrodes can be used in flexible sensors for detecting glucose in the physiological sample like saliva, tear or sweat.