Growth of cerium metal-organic framework in situ on MXene: An electrochemical sensing interface for simultaneous detection of acetaminophen and p-aminophenol

Para-aminophenol (4-AP) is the toxic hydrolysate of the pharmaceutical molecule p-acetaminophen (ACOP) and their overexposure is harmful to ecological environment and physical health, So, designing a reasonable and efficient sensing platform for simultaneous detection of the trace targets is urgent. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensing interface was constructed for simultaneous detection of ACOP and 4-AP by in-situ growth of a flat rod-like lanthanide metal-organic framework Ce-MOF on MXene materials. 2D MXene nanosheets improved the conductivity and dispersion of the composites while Ce-MOF provided abundant adsorption sites and big specific surface area, thus significantly amplifying the electrochemical response signal. Post-oxidation of Ce-MOF induced electrocatalytic active Ce 3 + /Ce 4+ centers. As a result, the electrochemical sensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.6 ∼ 360 μM and low detection limits (0.023 and 0.031 μM) for 4-AP and ACOP determination as well as satisfactory repeatability, stability and selectivity, and achieved accurate and synchronous detection of ACOP and 4-AP in actual tablets and environmental water samples. • A lanthanide metal-organic frame Ce-MOF was in-situ grown on MXenes triumphantly by a simple stirring method. • Mixed valence Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ in Ce(IV)-MOF provides an excellent electrochemical catalytic property. • Synergy effect between Ce(IV)-MOF and MXene improves the analytical performance of the sensing interface. • The sensor is successfully used to the sensitive determination of ACOP and 4-AP in tablet and environmental water samples.