Electrochemical sensing platform using reduced graphene oxide and Sn MOF-derived hollow cubic composites for sensitive detection of catechol in environmental water samples.

Catechol, a polyphenolic molecule and significant organic chemical intermediate, is a highly dangerous environmental contaminant due to its unpredictable nature and potential harm to both humans and the environment. This study presents the development of Sn MOF@rGO-650, identified as a hollow cube by SEM and TEM, created by carbonizing rGO on the surface of Sn MOF after in situ encapsulation. The Sn MOF@rGO-650 modified glassy carbon electrode was successfully constructed for the electrochemical detection of catechol. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a detection limit of 33 nM, a linear range of 0.20 μM–28 μM, and good long-term stability and reproducibility. This work proves for the first time that Sn MOF@rGO-650 composites can effectively detect catechol in real environmental water samples, achieving recoveries between 95.7 % and 104.8 %, and is validated in UV spectroscopy, which highlights its potential for practical applications. [Display omitted] • rGO effectively modulates the particle size of Sn MOF and retain its structure. • Composite has a distinctive structure with high specific surface area and porosity. • The electrochemical sensor has a surprisingly low detection limit for catechol. • The sensor accurately detects trace catechol in real tap water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]