Electrochemical Sensing of Dextrose and Photocatalytic Activities by Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Probe Sonication Method

Background: Electrochemical sensing has been widely used as a glucose sensor. Methods: In the present work, we have investigated the application of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNPs) for dextrose sensing applications. NFNPS were synthesized by using a simple and low-cost probe sonication method (PSM). The structural, optical and electrochemical properties of prepared nanoparticles were measured by using XRD, FTIR and DRS techniques. Results: The PXRD pattern confirmed the formation of inverse spinel structure for NFNPs with a face-cente red cubic (FCC) structure. The diffuse reflectance spectral studies revealed the energy band gap of NFNPs as deduced to be 2.50 eV by using Kubelka-Munk function. The efficiencies in the photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 88 (AR-88) and Acid Blue 88 (AB-88) dyes were found to be better with 93.45% and 84.45%, respectively. The EIS parameters corroborated the significant reduction in the charge transfer resistance of NFNPs electrode. The sensing of dextrose in acidic solution by using NFNP through carbon paste electrode was successful. Conclusion: The obtained sensing and photocatalytic results revealed that the synthesized NFNPs could be a better electrode material for the detection of dextrose with high electrode reversibility, in addition to its excellent photocatalytic characteristics towards the dye degradation.