Fabrication of Highly Sensitive and Stable Hydroxylamine Electrochemical Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Metal-Metalloporphyrin Framework Modified Electrode

In Situ Growth of Metal-Organic Framework HKUST-1 on Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons with High Electrochemical Sensing Performance in Imatinib Determination

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been previously investigated as electrode materials for developing electrochemical sensors. They have usually been reported to suffer from poor conductivity and improvement in the conductivity of MOFs is still a great challenge. Here, we reported the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor based on the in situ growth of framework HKUST-1 on conductive graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (HKUST-1/GONRs/GCE). The as-fabricated modified electrode was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and Raman spectroscopy. The voltammetric response of HKUST-1/GONRs/GCE toward Imatinib (IMA), as an anticancer drug, is dramatically higher than HKUST-1/GCE because of the synergic effect of the GONRs and HKUST-1 framework. The calibration curve at the HKUST-1/GONRs/GCE for IMA covered two linear dynamic ranges, 0.04-1.0 and 1.0-80 μmol L^-1, with a detection limit of 0.006 μmol L^-1 (6 nmol L^-1). Taking advantage of the conductivity of GONRs and large surface area of HKUST-1, a sensitive modified electrode was developed for the electrochemical determination of IMA. The present method provides an effective strategy to solve the poor conductivity of the MOFs. Finally, the obtained electrochemical performance made this modified electrode promising in the determination of IMA in urine and serum samples.

Application of MOF-based materials in electrochemical sensing

A summary of the most recent advancements of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for electrochemical sensing is listed in this frontier article.

Electrosynthesis of carbon aerogel-modified AuNPs@quercetin via an environmentally benign method for hydrazine (HZ) and hydroxylamine (HA) detection

An ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor fabricated using a hydrothermal and environmentally benign methods for the detection of environmental pollutions, namely, hydrazine (HZ) and hydroxylamine (HA) has been described.

Graphite paste electrodes modified with a sulfo-functionalized metal-organic framework (type MIL-101) for voltammetric sensing of dopamine

The metal-organic frameworks MIL-101 and sulfo-MIL-101 were used to modify graphite paste electrodes (GPEs) to obtain sensors for determination of dopamine (DA). Taking advantage of the catalytic activity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and of the electrical conductivity of graphite, the modified GPEs show enhanced voltammetric responses, and the GPE modified with the sulfo-MOF displays superior sensitivity when operated at a working potential of -0.4 to 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The sensor works in the 0.07 to100 μM DA concentration range and has a 43 nM detection limit. It is concluded that the sulfo group provides open sites for efficient electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, which facilitates electron transfer. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the structure of the sulfo-functionalized MOF (sulfo-MIL-101) and the different voltammetric signals of dopamine at the graphite paste electrodes (GPEs) modified with sulfo-MIL-101 and the parent MOF (MIL-101).

Electroactive metal-organic framework composites: Design and biosensing application

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as molecular crystalline materials have been extensively applied in various fields such as catalysis, separation, and biomedical engineering. However, the applications of MOFs materials are limited in electrochemical biosensing due to the poor conductivity, less selectivity, and lack of modification sites. By incorporating the functionalized nanoparticles into MOF structures, MOF-based composites are endowed with high electronic conductivity and strong catalytic activity, which process the advantages over single-component MOFs. With a particular focus on the electrochemical applications of MOF composites, this review summarizes the comprehensive guidelines on design of electroactive MOF composites: dopant modification of electroactive ligands, in situ synthesis of nanoparticle@MOF composites and post-modification of MOF structure. The illustrative examples of electroactive MOF composites in the last five years are highlighted in electrochemical, electrochemiluminescent, and photoelectrochemical biosensing. The prospects and challenges for future work are also included. Understanding the structure-function relationship of electroactive MOF composites benefits the design of next-generation electrochemical biosensors.

Fabrication of Au Nanoparticle-Decorated MoS2 Nanoslices as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine

Herein, MoS2 nanoslices were simply prepared by using ultrasonic treatment, and were further decorated with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) through an electrodeposition process to obtain the MoS2/Au nanocomposites. The obtained nanocomposites display synergetic electrocatalytic effect for the oxidation of dopamine due to the large surface area and two-dimensional structure of the MoS2 nanoslices, combining with the high catalytic activity and good conductivity of AuNPs. An electrochemical sensor was constructed based on MoS2/Au-modified carbon paste electrode, for sensitive and quantitative determination of dopamine. The prepared electrochemical sensor proves excellent analytical performances: very high sensitivity, wide linear ranges (0.5–300 μM), and low detection limit (76 nM). Moreover, the dopamine sensor also displays high selectivity, good reproducibility and stability, and can be used in real sample analysis. The method of fabricating high-efficiency electrocatalysts and electrochemical sensors proposed in this study provides a good reference for developing more functionalized nanocomposites and for extending practical applications.

Metal–Organic Frameworks Toward Electrocatalytic Applications

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials constructed from metal-rich inorganic nodes and organic linkers. Because of their regular porosity in microporous or mesoporous scale and periodic intra-framework functionality, three-dimensional array of high-density and well-separated active sites can be built in various MOFs; such characteristics render MOFs attractive porous supports for a range of catalytic applications. Furthermore, the electrochemically addressable thin films of such MOF materials are reasonably considered as attractive candidates for electrocatalysis and relevant applications. Although it still constitutes an emerging subfield, the use of MOFs and relevant materials for electrocatalytic applications has attracted much attention in recent years. In this review, we aim to focus on the limitations and commonly seen issues for utilizing MOFs in electrocatalysis and the strategies to overcome these challenges. The research efforts on utilizing MOFs in a range of electrocatalytic applications are also highlighted.

High surface area 3D-MgO flowers as the modifier for the working electrode for efficient detection of 4-chlorophenol

We report for the first time, magnesium oxide (MgO) 3D-flowers, synthesized by a simple reflux method. The synthesized MgO 3D-flowers were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ultra-violet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping to confirm their purity, morphology and elemental composition. The synthesized MgO 3D-flowers had a very high specific surface area of 218 m2 g-1 as confirmed by the N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. These MgO 3D-flowers were employed as an electrode modifier for the construction of an electrochemical sensor to detect 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The active surface area of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with MgO 3D-flowers with the assistance of 0.1% Nafion (MgO 3D-flowers/GCE) and the MgO 3D-flowers/GCE sensor shows an excellent electrocatalytic behavior towards 4-CP. The constructed MgO 3D-flowers/GCE sensor exhibits the limits of detection (LOD) of 45 nM, 68 nM, and 52 nM, and sensitivities of 2.84 μA μM-1 cm-2, 5.94 μA μM-1 cm-2, and 10.67 μA μM-1 cm-2 in cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques, respectively. The modified MgO 3D-flowers/GCE sensor displays excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability and reproducibility. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of the proposed MgO 3D-flowers/GCE sensor was attributed to the high specific surface area, surface electron transfer ability and the presence of the edges/corner defects of MgO 3D-flowers.

High-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensor by hierarchical flower-like nickel(II)-based MOF/carbon nanotubes composite

A hierarchical three-dimensional flower-like nickel(II)-terephthalic acid (Ni(TPA)) metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized through a simple solvothermal method. Then the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were doped with the synthesized Ni(TPA) MOF by the ultrasonic method to improve the chemical stability and the electrochemical activity of the MOF. To explore the potential application of the nanocomposite, the Ni(TPA)-SWCNT modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared and used as a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for glucose. The results show that the nanocomposite demonstrates remarkably higher electrochemical response as well as stronger electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation, in comparison with the single-component of Ni(TPA) and SWCNT. The Ni(TPA)-SWCNT modified electrode exhibits outstanding performance including excellent selectivity, wide linear range from 20 μM to 4.4 mM, low detection limit of 4.6 μM, and fast response (<5 s) for glucose detection. For glucose analysis in real serum samples, the developed sensor reveals a good agreement with the automatic biochemical analyzer, with the deviation rate of 0-6.7% and correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9940 (n = 20, P < 0.0001), indicating high accuracy and great potential of the sensor for practical application in fast analysis of glucose.

Graphene Aerogel-Metal-Organic Framework-Based Electrochemical Method for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Heavy-Metal Ions

The development of an effective method for detecting heavy-metal ions remains a serious task because of their high toxicity to public health and environments. Herein, a new electrochemical method based on a graphene aerogel (GA) and metal-organic framework (MOF) composites was developed for simultaneous detection of multiple heavy-metal ions in aqueous solutions. The GA-MOF composites were synthesized via the in situ growth of the MOF UiO-66-NH₂ crystal on the GA matrix. GA not only serves as the backbone for UiO-66-NH₂ but also enhances the conductivity of the composites by accelerating the electron transfer in the matrix. UiO-66-NH₂ worked as a binding site for heavy-metal ions because of the interaction between hydrophilic groups and metal cations. The detection performance of the GA-UiO-66-NH₂ composite-modified electrodes was determined. The developed electrochemical method can be successfully applied for individual and simultaneous detection of heavy-metal ions, namely, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺,and Hg²⁺, in aqueous solutions with high sensitivity and selectivity. The method can also be used for simultaneous detection of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ in river water and the leaching solutions of soil and vegetable with high accuracy and reliability. This work provides a new approach for simultaneous detection of multiple heavy-metal ions in practical applications.

Synthesis of a novel Au nanoparticles decorated Ni-MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite and electrocatalytic performance for the detection of glucose in human serum

A nonenzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor was constructed based on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated Ni metal-organic-framework (MOF)/Ni/NiO nanocomposite. Ni-MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite was synthesized by one-step calcination of Ni-MOF. Then AuNPs were loaded onto the Ni-based nanocomposites' surface through electrostatic adsorption. Through characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, it is found that the AuNPs were well distributed on the surface of Ni-based nanocomposite. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) study showed the electrocatalytic activity of Au-Ni nanocomposite was highly improved after loading AuNPs onto it. Amperometric study demonstrated that the Au-Ni nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited a high sensitivity of 2133.5 mA M^-1 cm^-2 and a wide linear range (0.4-900 μM) toward the oxidation of glucose with a detection limit as low as 0.1 μM. Moreover, the reproducibility, selectivity and stability of the sensor all exhibited outstanding performance. We applied the as-fabricated high performance sensor to measure the glucose levels in human serum and obtained satisfactory results. It is believed that AuNPs decorated Ni MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite provides a new platform for developing highly performance electrochemical sensors in practical applications.

A metal–metalloporphyrin framework based on an octatopic porphyrin ligand for chemical fixation of CO2with aziridines

A new porous metal–metalloporphyrin framework, MMPF-10, was synthesized for CO₂cycloaddition with aziridines.

Disposable aptamer-sensor aided by magnetic nanoparticle enrichment for detection of salivary cortisol variations in obstructive sleep apnea patients

We report a disposable point-of-care sensing platform specific to salivary cortisol detection. The sensor is inkjet printed on a paper substrate with a metalloporphyrin based macrocyclic catalyst ink that can electrochemically reduce cortisol, captured by aptamer functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The sensor consists of a thin magnet disc, aligned at the back of the electrode, in order to populate the magnetic nanoparticle bound cortisol at the sensing electrode area. Proof of concept studies were performed to detect salivary cortisol levels in human subjects with high and low risks for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). High selectivity was observed to salivary cortisol against a background of closely related steroids.

Study of Electrocatalytic Properties of Metal-Organic Framework PCN-223 for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A highly robust metal-organic framework (MOF) constructed from Zr₆ oxo clusters and Fe(III) porphyrin linkers, PCN-223-Fe was investigated as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Films of the framework were grown on a conductive FTO substrate and showed a high catalytic current upon application of cathodic potentials and achieved high H₂O/H₂O₂ selectivity. In addition, the effect of the proton source on the catalytic performance was also investigated.

A bodipy based hydroxylamine sensor

With this research we have developed a bodipy based system as the first “turn-on” fluorescence system for the detection hydroxylamine.

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of hydrazine and hydroxylamine by CuO doped in ZSM-5 nanoparticles as a new amperometric sensor

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor using a carbon paste modified electrode with CuO doped in ZSM-5 nanoparticles (CuO/ZSM-5 NPs/CPE) is successfully fabricated for simultaneous determination of hydrazine (HY) and hydroxylamine (HA).