Metal organic framework (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co nanoparticles/N‐doped carbon nanotubes composites for electrochemical detecting of tert‐butyl hydroquinone

Abstract In this work, the framework of Co nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (Co/NCNTs) derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) through solid pyrolysis was successfully synthesized in the atmosphere of H 2 and Ar gases. The Co/NCNTs composites exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance for tert‐butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) oxidation due to the synergistic effect between chemical composition and the specific structure of Co nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes. It was found that the reaction underwent a quasi‐reversible redox reaction with 37‐fold higher anodic current for TBHQ at Co/NCNT‐modified electrode when compared to bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In optimal condition, Co/NCNTs/GCE exhibited a linear range of 0.05–80.00 μmol·L −1 for detecting TBHQ, and the limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be as low as 10 nmol·L −1 (signal/noise of S/N = 3). Moreover, the as‐obtained modified electrode was successfully used to assay the content of TBHQ in edible oil samples.