Fabrication of electrochemically stable 3D V₂O₅/Nickel foam electrode with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity for high-performance glucose sensing

With the growing demand for robust and cost-effective glucose sensors, the advancement of non-enzymatic photoelectrochemical (PEC) alternatives is becoming increasingly crucial. This study presents a novel 3D V₂O₅/NF electrode, synthesized without surfactants or reducing agents to ensure pristine quality and optimal performance. The V₂O₅ was directly grown on nickel foam, achieving an electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of 58.5 cm² and demonstrating favorable band edge potentials (E_CB = -0.72 eV, E_VB = 1.43 eV vs. NHE) that enhance the efficiency of glucose oxidation under light irradiation. The electrode exhibits outstanding PEC glucose sensing capabilities with a sensitivity of 82 µA.mM^-1.cm^-2, a rapid response time of 5 s, and a broad linear detection range from 0.3 to 8.5 mM. Real-sample analysis with mango juice confirmed its practical applicability, highlighting its robust glucose detection in complex matrices. Notably, it maintains superior stability with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 20 % over 15 days and shows excellent reproducibility, with an RSD of 5.56 % across different electrode batches. This advancement establishes a new benchmark in non-enzymatic PEC glucose sensing, paving the way for future innovations in high-performance electrochemical sensors.