Flower-like CuS nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized with a simple and mild hydrothermal method. XRD analysis indicated that the product is pure hexagonal phase CuS. The morphology of the particles was studied by TEM. The electrode modified with CuS nanoflowers showed excellent electrocatalytic activities to the oxidation of glucose and reduction of hydrogen peroxide in pH 7.2 phosphate buffer. It is the first reported copper sulfide based sensor of both glucose and hydrogen peroxide. Electrochemical analysis of the particulate CuS for detecting H2O2 and glucose is described, showing remarkable sensitivity in both cases. The estimated detection linear ranges and sensitivities for H2O2 (1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-4) M, 3.64 x 10(4) mu A M-1) and glucose (1 x 10(-5) M-1 x 10(-2) M, 5.86 x 10(3) mu A M-1) suggest that the response for H2O2 detection is higher than that for glucose detection. The good analytical performance makes CuS NPs/chitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (CuS/CS/GCE) a promising electrochemical sensor for glucose and hydrogen peroxide. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.