One-step synthesis of a copper-based metal–organic framework–graphene nanocomposite with enhanced electrocatalytic activity

Abstract

A copper-based metal–organic framework–graphene nanocomposite (Cu-MOF–GN) (i.e. Cu₃(BTC)₂, BTC = 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylate) was prepared by a facile one-step method for the first time. Unlike the conventional strategies, in this procedure graphene oxide was reduced to GN by an endogenous reducing agent produced by dimethylformamide, which was used as solvent in the synthesis of Cu-MOF. The nanocomposite exhibited high stability due to the hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking and Cu–O coordination between Cu-MOF and GN. Owing to the synergetic effect of Cu-MOF and GN, the Cu-MOF–GN nanocomposite showed high electrocatalytic activity. When it was used for constructing H₂O₂ and ascorbic acid sensors, it presented good performance. Thus, the Cu-MOF–GN nanocomposite has potential applications in the electrochemical field.