Metal organic framework (ZIF-67)-derived Co nanoparticles/N-doped carbon nanotubes composites for electrochemical detecting of tert-butyl hydroquinone

In this work, the framework of Co nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Co/NCNTs) derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through solid pyrolysis was successfully synthesized in the atmosphere of H(2)and Ar gases. The Co/NCNTs composites exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance for tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) oxidation due to the synergistic effect between chemical composition and the specific structure of Co nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes. It was found that the reaction underwent a quasi-reversible redox reaction with 37-fold higher anodic current for TBHQ at Co/NCNT-modified electrode when compared to bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In optimal condition, Co/NCNTs/GCE exhibited a linear range of 0.05-80.00 mu mol.L(-1)for detecting TBHQ, and the limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be as low as 10 nmol.L-1(signal/noise of S/N = 3). Moreover, the as-obtained modified electrode was successfully used to assay the content of TBHQ in edible oil samples.

Automated summary

In this study, Co/NCNTs composites were successfully synthesized and exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance for TBHQ oxidation with high sensitivity and low detection limit. These composites not only showed high electrochemical performance under laboratory conditions, but also successfully detected TBHQ content in edible oil samples.