A Review on Metallic Nanomaterials for Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensors: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Recently Developed Nanomaterials

This article provides a comprehensive review of metallic-based electroactive electrode nanomaterials used for nonenzymatic glucose detection and their associated sensing devices. We begin with a general introduction to glucose detection, highlighting the simple electrochemical techniques employed for glucose electro-oxidation, followed by a detailed explanation of the fundamental reaction mechanisms involved in glucose electro-oxidation using these electrochemical methods. Glucose–sensing electrode nanomaterials are categorized into five major groups: (i) monometallic nanomaterials, (ii) bimetallic nanomaterials, (iii) oxide compounds, (iv) hydroxide compounds, and (v) metals with metallic derivatives. We summarize and compare the performance metrics, such as sensitivity, linear range, limit of detection (LOD), and working potential (WP), of metallic-based nanomaterials developed over the past decade. These metrics are critically analyzed to provide a clear understanding of their performance. Additionally, we propose several strategies and feasible approaches for enhancing glucose sensor (GS) nanomaterials in future applications. First, atomic metal/alloy metallization is anticipated to improve sensitivity, an area that remains a challenge in nonenzymatic GSs. Second, by capitalizing on the benefits of nanometallic and nano-oxide compounds, several advantageous effects can be achieved, including (i) the anchoring effect, (ii) the redistribution effect, and (iii) the spillover effect. Finally, we predict that the integration of these strategies will lead to the development of advanced nanomaterials with superior performance characteristics.