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 μA (mmol/L)−1 cm−2, a linear range of 5.00 μmol/L–11.00 mmol/L, and a detection limitation of 1 μmol/L in H2O2 detection, and a good glucose detection performance with 5 μmol/L. These excellent electrochemical performances endow the hollow Co3O4/NCNTs as promising alternative to enzymes in the biological applications.