3D-networked boron-doped diamond/carbon nanotube (BDD–CNT) core-shell nanowires were fabricated using the electrostatic self-assembly of nanodiamond. Although CNTs are easily etched out at their defect sites in hydrogen-rich environments, densely attached nanodiamond particles suppressed the etching of the CNTs and promoted BDD growth. After BDD deposition, 3D-networked BDD–CNT nanowires were successfully developed. In comparison to other electrodes, the BDD–CNT electrode exhibited better electrochemical performances, that is, low electron transfer resistance, large effective surface area and high sensitivity with significantly low detection range (8.7 mA mM−1 in the range 0.65–83.75 nM). The improvement in the performances of the BDD–CNT electrode could be attributed to the geometry and electron pathways offered by CNTs as well as to the synergistic material properties of BDD and CNT. The BDD–CNT electrode shows promise for application in the noninvasive measurement of glucose in living beings as well as for environmental monitoring in sea water.
- Seung-Koo Lee
- Min-Jung Song
- Dae-Soon Lim
