A UiO-66-NH2/carbon nanotube nanocomposite for simultaneous sensing of dopamine and acetaminophen

Carbon nanomaterials are quite promising to be combined with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to enhance the sensing ability of both materials. In this work, a MOF nanoparticle of UiO-66-NH2 is integrated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (UiO-66-NH2/CNTs) with a facile solvothermal method. The morphology, surface area and properties of this UiO-66-NH2/CNTs nanocomposite was investigated using electron microscopy, XRD, XPS, BET analysis and electrochemical techniques. Catalytic oxidation of dopamine (DA) and acetaminophen (AC) on this nanocomposite was achieved, owing to a 3D hybrid structure or a large electroactive surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, a large number of active sites of this nanocomposite. It was further utilized as a sensing platform to establish an electrochemical sensor for the monitoring of both DA and AC. The enhanced oxidation signals led to the voltametric sensing of DA and AC in a broad linear range from 0.03 to 2.0 mu M and low detection limits (S/N = 3) of 15 and 9 nM for DA and AC, respectively. The proposed sensor also possessed good reproducibility, repeatability, long-term stability, selectivity, and satisfactory recovery in serum samples analysis. Therefore, it has the great potential for the accurate quantification of DA and AC in complex matrixes. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Carbon nanomaterials combined with metal-organic frameworks can enhance sensing ability. In this study, UiO-66-NH2 MOF nanoparticles were integrated with carbon nanotubes to create UiO-66-NH2/CNTs nanocomposite. This nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic oxidation performance and electrochemical activity, establishing an electrochemical sensor for dopamine and acetaminophen with high sensitivity and low detection limits.