Two-dimensional mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets as a novel electrocatalyst for detection of o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol.

Novel mesoporous ZnCo2O4 (meso-ZnCo2O4) nanosheets were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method for detection of o-nitrophenol (ONP) and p-nitrophenol (PNP). The resultant meso-ZnCo2O4 nanosheets possess more catalytic active sites than other structures, which enhance the catalysis properties for the electrochemical detection of nitrophenol. This sensor exhibits a wide linear detection range (1-4000 and 1-4000 μM) and high sensitivity (0.256 and 0.318 μA μM-1 cm-2), as well as low detection limit (0.3 and 0.3 μM), for ONP and PNP, respectively. In addition, the fabricated sensor reveals excellent reproducibility, stability and selectivity.