ZIF-67 MOF-derived Co nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon skeletons for the amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

ZIF-67-derived Co nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon skeletons have been prepared from melamine foam (Co-NPs/NCs) for non-enzymatic electrochemical H₂O₂ detection. The synthesis of Co-NPs/NCs was demonstrated via calcination treatment using melamine foam (MF) and ZIF-67 as precursors. The experimental results show that Co-NPs/NCs composites exhibit eminent catalytic activity toward specific determination of H₂O₂ with high selectivity and sensitivity (252.43 and 203.88 μA mM^-1 cm^-2), low LOD (0.12 μM), and wide linear ranges (10-2080 and 2080-11,800 μM). The excellent performance might be ascribed to the synergetic effects of MOF and N-doped carbon skeletons. The carbon skeletons serve as a conductive bridge and provide a large specific surface area, which can facilitate electron transfer and well disperse nanoparticles. This non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on Co-NPs/NCs can successfully detect H₂O₂ secreted by living cells, indicating its great potential in the early diagnosis and pathological exploration of disease.

Keywords: Amperometry; Co nanoparticles; Hydrogen peroxide; Living cell; N-doped carbon skeletons.