Three-Dimensional Coral-Like NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides on Biomass-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbonized Wood as a Sensitive Probe for Nonenzymatic Urea Determination

Abstract

Binder-less, self-standing, disposable, and costeffective sensing probes are crucial for the development of nextgeneration nonenzymatic urea sensors (NEUSs). In the present study, three-dimensional (3D) coral-like NiFe-based layered double hydroxide (NF-LDH) microstructures were grown over the naturally inherited porous microchannels of nitrogen-doped carbonized wood (NCW). The microstructural details and chemical composition of the fabricated electrodes were examined by microscopic and spectral methods. The formation of novel 3D coral-like microarchitectures with uniformly enveloped nanoflakes was evidenced from the scanning electron microscopy measurements. Interestingly, NF-LDH exhibited a voltammetric response for urea due to the unique 3D architecture and synergistic influence between catalytically active Ni 3+ sites and doped Fe 3+ centers. Here, NCW serves as a catalyst-docking platform and electronconducting medium. Such direct anchoring of catalytically active structures on conductive scaffolds eliminates the electron transfer resistance provoked by stereotypical insulating binders. Furthermore, the growth of the NF-LDH catalyst on NCW was varied with respect to the mole ratio of Ni 3+ and Fe 3+ . Among the different mole ratios, the NF-LDH catalyst modified with Ni/Fe-0.75:0.25 showed the best sensing performance toward urea with a sensitivity of 53 μA mM −1 cm −2 , a wide linear range from 0.5 to 8 mM, and a limit of detection of 0.114 mM (S/N = 3) in addition to exceptional stability and reproducibility.

Biomass-derived 2D carbon materials: structure, fabrication, and application in electrochemical sensors

“…The structure of BC usually This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2023 determines its function, and the selection of suitable biomass precursors is the simplest way to control the structure of BC. The harder plant biomass tends to contain more crystalline cellulose scaffold structures, their original structure can be well preserved in the carbonization process 64,65 (Fig. 4a and b), and eventually, only a small amount of carbon nanoparticles or microspheres can be observed on the carbon layer.…”

“…(b) The N-doped coral-like microarchitectures with uniformly enveloped nanoflakes prepared by urea and wood as nitrogen and carbon sources. 64 (Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society.) (c) Stratified mesoporous biomass carbon based on kelp-derived.…”

“…(Copyright 2015, Royal Society of Chemistry.) (b) The N-doped coral-like microarchitectures with uniformly enveloped nanoflakes prepared by urea and wood as nitrogen and carbon sources 64. (Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society.)…”

Exploration of 3D NiCu-layered double hydroxide flowers tailored on a biomass-derived N-doped carbon stick electrode as a binder-less enzyme-free urea sensing probe

“…[6][7][8] Hence, the desire for the fabrication and advancement of rapid, reliable, and cost-efficient urea-monitoring biosensors for personal health care, pharmaceuticals, and clinical diagnosis is a thriving area of research in the present scenario. [9][10][11][12] Accordingly, electrochemical urea sensors have grasped momentous attention from researchers owing to their rapid response, simple operation, high sensitivity, and low-cost. 13,14 Since the first evidence of electrochemical urea sensors appeared in 1969 developed by Guilbaut and Montalvo with urease-modified cationic glass-electrode for urea hydrolysis, ample research efforts have been executed.…”

“…6–8 Hence, the desire for the fabrication and advancement of rapid, reliable, and cost-efficient urea-monitoring biosensors for personal health care, pharmaceuticals, and clinical diagnosis is a thriving area of research in the present scenario. 9–12…”