Considering
their superior electrochemical performances, extensive
studies have been carried out on composite nanomaterials based on
porous carbon nanofibers. However, the introduction of inorganic components
into a porous structure is complex and has a low yield. In this study,
we propose a simple synthesis of cobalt-oxide-incorporated multichannel
carbon nanofibers (P-Co-MCNFs) as electrode materials for electrochemical
applications. The cobalt oxide component is directly formed in the
carbon structure by a simple oxygen plasma exposure of the phase-separated
polymer nanofibers. P-Co-MCNF displays high specific capacitance (815
F g–1 at 2.0 A g–1), rate capability
(821 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 and 786
F g–1 at 20 A g–1), and cycle
stability (92.1% for 5000 cycles) as a supercapacitor electrode. Moreover,
excellent sensitivity (down to 1 nM) and selectivity to the glucose
molecule is demonstrated for nonenzyme sensor applications.