Single-Step Laser Irradiation for Synchronous Formation of Graphene-Platinum Nanohybrids with Tunable Microstructures Toward High-Performance Enzyme-Free Glucose Sensors

Manufacturing of metal-decorated carbon electrodes as a critical component of enzyme-free glucose sensors has become an advanced strategy for fast and accurate glucose monitoring. By selectively irradiating the pre-prepared chloroplatinic acid/polyimide (H₂PtCl₆/PI) precursor with photothermal energy, a creatively synchronized laser processing protocol is developed for assembling integrated three-electrode system with platinum nanoparticle decorated laser-induced graphene (PtNP-LIG). In addition to the swift manufacturing of designable structures, laser power and raw-material dosage are systematically explored as two key parameters to understand the process-regulated microstructure and electro-catalytic performance. Notably, by discovering the tuning mechanism for optimizing laser power-dependent specific surface area of graphene backbone from 81.61 to 197.53 m² g⁻¹ and for enhancing H₂PtCl₆ concentration dependent Pt content from 0.75% to 4.16%, the sensitivity of PtNP-LIG sensors to glucose oxidation has dramatically improved from 203.14 to 959.07 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², following closely the adjustable discipline of electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) from 37.75 to 104.19 mm². Along with rapid response time, low limit of detection, and broad linear range, the proposed protocol is highly beneficial for designing and manufacturing next-generation wearable human-health related devices.