Facile synthesis of hierarchical MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs composite for electrochemical sensing of luteolin

Abstract Luteolin (LUT) is one of the biologically active functional components, which was widely used in pharmacological applications. Thus, development of sensitive analytical methods for LUT determination is highly desired. In this work, Ti3C2-MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs heterostructure was exploited as a new electrochemical sensing platform for the sensitive determination of LUT. For the design of composite, the in-situ growth of ZIF-67 on CNTs surface ensures the stability of their binding and enhances the synergetic catalysis. Conductive MXene as matrix for the loading of ZIF-67/CNTs can promote the catalytic ability of composite. Electrochemical results show that the MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs modified electrode displays preeminent electrocatalytic activity and enhances electrochemical response to the redox reaction of LUT, ascribing to the synergistic effect of ZIF-67/CNTs and MXene. Upon the optimization of experimental parameters, e.g., pH, enrichment time, the sensor based on MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs composite exhibits excellent performance with wide linear relationship ranging from 0.1–1000 nM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 nM (S/N = 3). Besides, MXene/ZIF-67/CNTs electrode performs high selectivity, stability, and acceptable reproducibility. Furthermore, the constructed sensor was successfully utilized to detect LUT in real samples with satisfactory recovery.