Enhancing self-powered wearable device performance: ZIF-8/rGO hybrid nanostructures for extended operation and electrochemical glucose detection

The growing demand for wearable devices designed for continuous monitoring necessitates an extended power supply, prompting the development of self-powered sensing devices capable of prolonged operation. Multifunctional materials have become a prime focus for self-powered systems. One such material is ZIF-8, a porous crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF) that holds promise for non-enzymatic glucose detection due to its expansive surface area, functional sites, electrocatalytic activity, and biocompatibility. Our research details the successful synthesis of ZIF-8 and a composite consisting of ZIF-8 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). We extensively investigated the structural, elemental, and morphological attributes of these materials using various characterization techniques. Our examination of glucose detection involved cyclic voltammetry and amperometry studies. The hybrid electrode, benefiting from the synergistic interplay between ZIF-8 and rGO, exhibited an exceptional sensitivity of 5047.18 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 0.3 μM, spanning the range of 0.005 mM to 5 mM. Furthermore, we explored these materials' potential in the supercapacitance realm. The ZIF-8/rGO hybrid electrode demonstrated an impressive specific capacitance of 287F/g at a current density of 1 Ag−1, displaying pseudocapacitive behaviour. A proof-of-concept prototype device, utilizing ZIF-8/rGO, was fabricated and investigated for its potential in wearable glucose sensing. The device yielded satisfactory results, showcasing its capability as a self-powered wearable sensor. In general, ZIF-8/rGO hybrid nanostructure emerged as a promising candidate for supercapacitor and electrochemical glucose detection applications.