Nickel-metal organic framework/MWCNT composite electrode for non-enzymatic urea detection

A porous composite catalyst based on nickel-metal organic framework (Ni-MOF) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized for non-enzymatic urea detection. The Ni-MOF was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The morphology and the structure of the Ni-MOF were studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The Ni-MOF/MWCNTs coated indium tin oxide glass was used as a novel electrochemical sensor for urea detection. The Ni-MOF/MWCNT electrode showed a very high sensitivity of 685 mu AmM(-1)cm(-2), low detection limit of 3 mu M and a response time of 10 s. Moreover, the sensor showed remarkable stability with no loss in activity after 30 days of storage under ambient conditions. Overall, the novel hybrid inorganic-organic material showed notable potential for designing of micro-scale point of care diagnostic devices for urea sensing applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.