Hierarchical flower-like ytterbium benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate metal organic framework for simultaneous sensitive electrochemical detection of Cd2+, Pb2+and Cu2+

Hierarchical electrochemical sensors with specific recognition function have been widely applied for trace amounts detection of metal ions, showing great significance for monitoring environmental quality. Herein, a novel flower-like ytterbium benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate metal-organic framework (Yb-MOF-1) was prepared by a one-step solvothermal method, which was then cast on a glassy carbon electrode to construct a sensing platform. Compared to the traditional rod-like Yb-MOF-2 prepared at a lower pH (pH = 4.26), the Yb-MOF-1 assembled from ultrathin nanosheets has a large surface area (462.356 m2/g), showing simultaneous electrochemical detection performance towards Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ in aqueous solution with detection limits of 9.22, 1.69, 15.15 nM, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate its good anti-interference and repeatability. The reliable practical application of Yb-MOF-1 for Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ detection in real water samples shows good recovery rates ranging from 95.8 % to 103.5 %, proving the effective strategy in exploring efficient electrochemical sensing materials.