Sensitive electrochemical carbendazim detection in pesticides based on cross-linked γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework coupled with multi-atom co-doped graphene

In view of the fact that improper and excessive use of pesticides has posed severe threats to food quality, human health, ecological security, and aquatic ecosystems. A novel electrochemical sensing platform was fabricated with nitrogen, phosphorous, and boron ternary-doped reduced graphene oxide-supported cross-linked γ-CD-metal organic framework (NPB-rGO/CL-γ-CD-MOF) nanocomposites for the sensitive detection of carbendazim (CBZ). Choosing ethylenediamine, phytic acid, and boric acid as the N, P, and B source, the pre-synthesized NPB-rGO acted as the conductive substrate to further support CL-γ-CD-MOF from cross-linking γ-CD-MOF with diphenyl carbonate. The formed NPB-rGO/CL-γ-CD-MOF nanocomposites could accommodate numerous γ-CD molecules in CL-γ-CD-MOF for the specific capture of more CBZ via the host-guest interaction and activate the charge groups and spin densities of adjacent carbon atoms in NPB-rGO for the accelerative diffusion of CBZ towards the electrode surface. Such synergistic effect endowed the high sensitivity and selectivity for monitoring CBZ with the wide concentration range of 0.5–135 μM and low detection limit of 0.12 μΜ. Moreover, the designed electrochemical sensor was smoothly applied to detect CBZ in practical analyses with satisfactory results, which demonstrates that NPB-rGO/CL-γ-CD-MOF nanocomposites possess the bright prospect to become ideal electrode candidates in pesticide residue assays.