Integration of chromium terephthalate metal-organic frameworks with reduced graphene oxide for voltammetry of 4-nonylphenol

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive materials for electrochemical applications because of their large surface areas and rich pore structures . However, their poor electrical conductivity hinders these applications. In this contribution, the decoration of chromium terephthalate MOFs (MIL-101(Cr) crystals) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is proposed to improve the electrical conductivity of MIL-101(Cr) crystals. These nanocomposites (MIL-101(Cr)@rGO) were prepared using a simple chemical reduction method. Their morphology, interfacial properties , and electrochemical applications were investigated using electron microscopy , electrochemical, and related techniques. With an introduction of rGO into MIL-101(Cr) crystals, the conductivity of MIL-101(Cr)@rGO nanocomposites was much improved. As a case study of electrochemical applications of MIL-101(Cr)@rGO nanocomposites, the MIL-101(Cr)@rGO nanocomposite coated electrodes were employed for the voltammetric study of 4-nonylphenol. An irreversible, adsorption-controlled, one electron and one proton involved oxidation process was observed. By use of the recorded anodic peak current as the physical parameter, the sensitive and reproducible monitoring of 4-nonylphenol was realized in the range of 0.1–12.5 μM with a detection limit of 33 nM. The MIL-101(Cr)@rGO nanocomposites are thus useful electrode materials . The proposed strategy provides a simple and efficient approach to expand easily the applications of MOFs into various electrochemical fields.