A core-shell structure nanocomposite composed of Cu nanoparticles loaded onto porous carbon embed magnetic nanomaterial (Fe3O4@C-Cu) was synthesized, involving one-step solvothermal synthesis of Fe3O4@C and the subsequent deposit of copper in the carbon shell. Then a novel non-enzymatic sensor based on Fe3O4@C-Cu nanocomposites was fabricated by immobilizing Fe3O4@C-Cu nanocomposites on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The morphology and composition of the nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical investigation indicated that the Fe3O4@C-Cu/GCE possessed an excellent ability to catalyze H2O2 and was used for H2O2 determination. The sensor showed a wide linear range from 80.0 mu M to 372.0 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998, and the detection limit was 32.6 mu M. Additionally, the sensor exhibited long-term stability, good reproducibility and anti-interference ability. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.