An electrochemical sensor based on metal-organic framework-derived porous carbon with high degree of graphitization for electroanalysis of various substances

Abstract

A MOF-derived porous carbon with high specific surface area and robust structure was successfully synthesized by carbonizing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8). With the investigation of the carbonization temperature and the preparation process, the synthesized ligand-derived carbon matrix (Z-1000) displayed a high electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity owing to the spatially ordered porous structure, high graphitization and doped nitrogen. In order to test the electrochemical properties of this material, a range of substances were detected by Z-1000 modified electrodes (Z-1000/GCE) and satisfactory results were obtained. In optimized conditions, the linear responses of the Z-1000/GCE for uric acid (UA) and catechol (CT) were obtained from 0.001mM to 0.3mM with detection limit of 1.4×10−8M and 2.78×10−7M, respectively. And a linear range for hydroquinone (HQ) was in the region of 0.001mM–0.2mM with detection limits of 2.15×10−7M. These unique physical and chemical properties made it hold great promise in the development of multifunctional sensor. Meanwhile, the low cost and facile preparation of MOF-derived carbon made it become a potential candidate for electroanalysis.