Rational design of Ag nanoparticles on ZIF-67-functionalized carbon nanotube for enzymeless glucose detection and electrocatalytic water oxidation

The development of electrocatalysts that show multifunctionality towards efficient sensing and energy applications are of great significance. Herein, we report a rational design of photochemical deposition of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on ZIF-67-decorated carbon nanotube (Ag NPs/ZIF-67 @CNT) hybrid, which exhibits dual-functional capabilities for both effective enzymeless glucose detection and electrocatalytic water oxidation. The distribution of Ag NPs on the ZIF-67-functionalized CNT can be optimized by adjusting the concentration of Ag + aqueous solution during the light illumination process. The optimized Ag NPs/ZIF-67 @CNT composite showed superior glucose-sensing capability with a low determination limit of 0.46 μM (S/N = 3), high sensitivity of 469.4 μA·mM −1 ·cm −2 , wide linearity detection range (0.010–7.0 mM) and short response time (less than 5 s). Also, the Ag NPs/ZIF-67 @CNT composite acting as potential electrocatalyst possessed an overpotential of 286 mV with a Tafel-slope of 80.75 mV dec −1 at 10 mA·cm −2 for high durability water-oxidation reaction. This work provided a feasible way to prepare Ag NPs decorated ZIF-67/CNT with modulated bifunctional catalytic performances via photochemical reduction strategy, which can also provide effective guidance for designing other multifunctional electrocatalysts. • Photochemical deposition of Ag nanoparticles on ZIF-67 @carbon nanotube was prepared. • It showed enzymeless glucose sensing activity with a low detection limit of 0.46 μM. • High durability of water-oxidation behavior of the hybrid was also investigated. • This work provide effective way for preparing other multifunctional electrocatalysts.