Photoelectrochemical (PEC) non-enzymatic sensing systems are beneficial for the detection of low concentrations of biological molecules. Among different potential nanostructured materials, one dimensional TiO_2 and ZnO nanorods are promising semi-conductor which can be successfully applied in many photoelectrochemical applications, mainly due to their photoactive properties, and long-term stability. In spite of their advantages, the wide band gap of 1D TiO_2 and ZnO along with their high recombination rate confine their applications dramatically. These properties, prevent 1D TiO_2 and ZnO from absorbing visible light; therefore, the semiconductor is only photoactive in the UV range. Here, we describe novel non-enzymatic sunlight-driven PEC sensors based on a modified 1D TiO_2 nanorod array with cocatalyst and 1D ZnO core-shell structure for the aim of improved PEC non-enzymatic detection of glucose and H_2O_2, respectively. The 1D TiO_2 and ZnO nanorods array were prepared through facile hydrothermal at and electrodeposition methods, respectively. The modified electrodes were characterized through FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The novel 1D TiO_2 and 1D ZnO@TiO_2 core shell electrodes exhibited enhanced PEC sensing properties with a low limit of detection and a high sensitivity, over a linear range of 0.1 - 1000 nM of glucose and 1 pM-100 mM of H_2O_2 in PBS. Additionally, the sensor displayed high selectivity, high stability, and high reproducibility. Overall, our engineered PEC sensor demonstrated ultrasensitive detection of glucose and H_2O_2 and a capable platform for continued development into the field of PEC non-enzymatic sensors.
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