One-step electrochemical synthesis of tremella-like Co-MOFs/carbon nanohorns films for enhanced electrochemical sensing of carbendazim in vegetable and fruit samples

Pesticides play a vital part in agricultural production, which can effectively prevent and control crop diseases and pests. However, the extensive use can impose a serious risk to human fitness and the surroundings worldwide. Herein, a novel electrochemical strategy was proposed for sensitive detection of carbendazim (CBZ) based on Co-MOFs/carbon nanohorns (Co-MOFs/CNHs, BDC stands for 1,4-benzenedi-carboxylate) sensing platform. Tremella-like Co-MOFs/CNHs films were synthesized via a facile, mild one-step electrochemical co-deposition technique. Inter-connected Co-MOFs sheets present high surface area, giant pore quantity and plentiful active sites, which exhibit high enrichment capacity for CBZ. Meanwhile, CNHs attached Co-MOFs sheets own superior electrocatalytic properties, and electronic conductivity, which could promote the electrooxidation towards the adsorbed CBZ molecules. Attributing to these impressive features, the electrochemical signals of CBZ are greatly amplified at Co-MOFs/CNHs electrode. A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 nM, and wide linear range from 0.5 nM to 20.0 µM are achieved. Additionally, the prepared sensor was also utilized for the detection of CBZ in strawberries and cabbage with the recovery ranging from 97.25% to 103.5%.