MOF derived Co3O4/N-doped carbon nanotubes hybrids as efficient catalysts for sensitive detection of H2O2 and glucose

Developing enzyme-free sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity for H2O2 and glucose is highly desirable for biological science. Especially, it is attractive to exploit noble-metal-free nanomaterials with large surface area and good conductivity as highly active and selective catalysts for molecular detection in enzyme-free sensors. Herein, we successfully fabricate hollow frameworks of Co3O4/N-doped carbon nanotubes (Co3O4/NCNTs) hybrids by the pyrolysis of metal-organic frameworks followed by calcination in the air. The as-prepared novel hollow Co3O4/NCNTs hybrids exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for H2O2 reduction in neutral solutions and glucose oxidation in alkaline solutions. As sensor electrode, the Co3O4/NCNTs show excellent non-enzymatic sensing ability towards H2O2 response with a sensitivity of 87.40 mu A (mmol/L)(-1) cm(-2), a linear range of 5.00 mu mol/L-11.00 mmol/L, and a detection limitation of 1 mu mol/L in H2O2 detection, and a good glucose detection performance with 5 mu mol/L. These excellent electrochemical performances endow the hollow Co3O4/NCNTs as promising alternative to enzymes in the biological applications. (C) 2019 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.