As a growing aspect of materials science, there are an enormous number of synthesis routes that have been identified to produce materials, particularly through simple methodologies. In this way, the present study focuses on the easiest way to prepare sulfur doped carbon nanoparticles (SDCNs) using a flame synthesis method and has also demonstrated a novel route to synthesize Ni(OH)2 decorated SDCNs by a simple adsorption cum precipitation method. The SDCNs are alternative candidates to prestigious carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes. Moreover, SDCNs provide excellent support to the Ni(2+) ion adsorption and initiate the formation of Ni(OH)2. The formation of Ni(OH)2 on the SDCN matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area diffraction pattern (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After these meticulous structural evaluations, we have described the mechanism for the formation of Ni(OH)2 on an SDCN matrix. The as-prepared Ni(OH)2 decorated SDCN nanocomposites were used as an electrode material for nonenzymatic glucose sensors. The fabricated glucose sensor exhibited a wide linear concentration range, 0.0001-5.22 mM and 5.22-10.22 mM, and a low-level detection limit of 28 nM. Additionally, it reveals excellent selectivity in the potentially interfering ions and also possesses a good stability. The practicality of the fabricated glucose sensor was also demonstrated toward glucose detection in biological samples.
Keywords: flame synthesis; glucose sensor; nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2); sulfur doped carbon nanoparticles; thiophene.