The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

This study presents a polymer thin-film–based surface modification strategy to improve the stability of copper (Cu) electrodes for non-enzymatic glucose sensing. Although Cu electrodes exhibit high electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation, their application is limited by surface degradation and signal instability during repeated electrochemical measurements. To address these issues, polyelectrolytes multilayer films were introduced to form a chemically interactive interfacial environment. These films containing carboxylic groups act as templates that promote the formation and stabilization of Cu nanostructures through interactions with Cu ions. This polymer-mediated architecture suppresses surface degradation and preserves electrocatalytic activity, resulting in improved signal stability compared to pristine Cu electrodes. This approach enables reliable non-enzymatic glucose sensors for wearable and point-of-care diagnostics.