Novel synthesis of carbon nanofiber aerogels from coconut matrix for the electrochemical detection of glucose

Bacterial cellulose aerogels (BCAs) were obtained from a delicious food grade coconut. Following with a simple process of carbonized calcination (700 degrees C similar to 1100 degrees C). The obtained coconut matrix carbon nanofiber aerogels (CMCNFs) exhibit low density (<3.47 mg/cm(3)), high surface area (>1102 m(2)/g), and high porosity (approximate to 99.6%), which are much higher than those of common BCAs owing to the removal of hydrogen, oxygen and other elements along with only small volume changes. Due to the flexibility of the nanofiber matrix of our presoma, the three-dimensional network micro-structure is preserved during high temperature carbonization process. The obtained CMCNFs show an excellent conductivity bearing a direct electron transfer process between glucose oxidase (GOx) and electrode surface in the electrochemical processes. It was discovered that CMCNFs can achieve a fast direct electron transfer (DET) of GOx to the rapid detection of glucose. This character should be related to the three-dimensional pore structure determined by carbonization temperature, which has been proved that the CMCNFs calcined at 1000 degrees C possesses the best capabilities. With merits above, a highly sensitive glucose sensor is successfully prepared by the simple carbonization of coconut cellulose matrix, which expands the application scope of bacterial cellulose aerogels. This work also offers insights for the future develop of protein-based electrochemical devices.