Synthesis of a Ni(OH)₂@Cu₂Se hetero-nanocage by ion exchange for advanced glucose sensing in serum and beverages

Cu₂Se nanosheets were coated on the surface of Ni(OH)₂ nanocages (NCs) by ion exchange driven by selenium incorporation. The resulting Ni(OH)₂@Cu₂Se hollow heterostructures (Ni(OH)₂@Cu₂Se HHSs) showed high electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activities derived from the synergistic effects of Ni/Cu phases. These structures enhanced glucose adsorption abilities, confirmed by density function theory (DFT) calculations, and the robustness of the integrated nano-electrocatalyst. Remarkably, Ni(OH)₂@Cu₂Se HHSs modified electrodes excited excellent glucose sensing behavior with a wide linear range (0.001-7.5 mM), a sensitivity up to 2420.4 Μa mM^-1 cm², a low limit of detection (LOD, 0.15 μM), and fast response (less 2 s). Furthermore, Ni(OH)₂@Cu₂Se HHSs competently analyzed glucose in serum and beverages with good recoveries ranging from 94.4 to 103.6%. Integrating copper selenide and Ni-based materials as 3D hollow heterostructures expands the selection of electrocatalysts for sensitive glucose detection in food and biological samples.