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

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.