Synergistic ZnO-NiO composites for superior Fiber-Shaped Non-Enzymatic glucose sensing

The rise in diabetes requires new glucose sensors, as traditional enzyme-based and planar electrodes are sensitive to the environment and hard to integrate into wearables. This study addresses these issues by developing a flexible, non-enzymatic glucose sensor using a co-sputtered ZnO: NiO (NZ) composite on PET fiber. This design enhances the tensile strength (60 mm at 3.2 kg.f) and conductance (0.23 S) of Cu-coated PET fiber, forming a durable sensing platform. The electrode's enhanced electrochemical surface area (0.13 cm²) offers abundant active sites for glucose interaction, while the synergistic interface effect boosts ion and charge transport, improving glucose sensing. The sensor achieves high sensitivity (28.96 mA·cm⁻²·mM⁻¹), fast response time (23 s), and a low detection limit (0.25 mM), while maintaining 78 % of its sensitivity after 500 bending cycles. These features, combined with good electrochemical stability—retaining 60 % of its initial performance after prolonged electrolyte exposure—mark a significant advancement in wearable glucose monitoring.