Graphene nanosheets supported MOF-derived CeO2@C for high-performance electrochemical 4-chlorophenol sensing in environmental water

Abstract

Rapid and reliable electrochemical sensing of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) is highly significant for maintaining the security of water resources. To realize this aim, the primary challenge is the construction of sensing interfaces featuring superior electrocatalytic capabilities. In this work, we present a straightforward, single-step pyrolysis strategy for producing graphene nanosheets (GNP) supported CeO2 together with amorphous carbon (CeO2@C/ GNP), which function as a high-performance electrochemical sensor for 4-CP. Demonstrating good catalytic activity, the fabricated sensor featured a wide linear dynamic range from 0.2 to 30 mu M, and a low detection limit (52 nM) for 4-CP. This improved performance can be due to the synergistic action of CeO2@C with GNP, in which CeO2@C/GNP shorten the electron transfer pathway, increase the active reaction zone, and display outstanding electronic conductivity and electrocatalytic oxidation capabilities for 4-CP. The effectiveness of this sensor for 4CP monitoring is clearly reflected by high recovery rates obtained from water samples. Besides, the sensor was characterized by ideal resistance to interferences, excellent reproducibility, and long-term stability. This discovery delivers important guidance toward the synthesis of metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived materials for use in practical environmental monitoring.