Facile synthesis of ultra-long Cu microdendrites for the electrochemical detection of glucose

Ultra-long Cu microdendrites (MDs) were prepared by one-step electrodeposition on a glassy carbon electrode. The results demonstrated that the reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the electrolysis solution, as well as the amount of Cu²⁺ and citrate ions, play important roles in the formation of the Cu MDs. Notably, the X-ray diffraction experiments confirmed that the aggregations of the Cu nanocrystals preferred to grow along (111) direction. In addition, the resulting Cu MDs-modified electrode showed good electrochemical performance as a non-enzyme glucose sensor in alkaline media.