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

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 H2 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.