A sensitive acetaminophen sensor based on Co metal–organic framework (ZIF-67) and macroporous carbon composite

The composite of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-67) and ordered macroporous carbon (OMC) was successfully synthesized via in situ growth from the OMC matrix. The ZIF67–OMC composite was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and then evaluated as a modified material for electrochemical sensor. Benefitting from the large surface area and enhanced conductivity of the ZIF67–OMC composite, ZIF67–OMC nanocomposite showed superior electrocatalytic performance toward acetaminophen (AP) oxidation. The redox reaction of AP underwent a quasi-reversible redox reaction with higher anodic current at ZIF67–OMC modified electrode compared with the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In optimal condition, the ZIF67–OMC/GCE was stable, reproducible and had a linear range of 0.05–100 μmol·L−1 AP concentration, with the detection limit of 20 nmol·L−1 (signal-to-noise of S/N = 3). In addition, the prepared sensing platform for the detection of AP was evaluated for the compound paracetamol tablets and urine samples.