Fabrication of PdAg nanoparticle infused metal-organic framework for electrochemical and solution-chemical reduction and detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol

In this study, we utilized functionalized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as a host matrix to embed silver and palladium (AgPd) bimetallic nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized materials were characterized Via UV, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, BET and TGA analysis. The as-synthesized materials presented excellent activities toward the electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol and its reduction by NaBH4 under ambient conditions. The constructed sensor displayed selective and sensitive determination of 4-NP in the linear concentration range 100–370 μM with a limit of detection of Σ32 nM. Moreover, because of its high specific surface area, high conductivity, and fast charge transfer ability, the sensor displayed good electrocatalytic activity. Moreover, it exhibited excellent selectivity toward 4-NP in the presence of common interfering species. The synthesized catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP. It was reusable for five consecutive cycles without a significant loss in its catalytic activity. The applicability of the constructed sensor was explored via the detection of 4-NP in tap water samples at a recovery of ∼100.97%.