Au nanoparticle-embellished UiO-66 on reduced graphene oxide as a non-enzymatic electrocatalyst at a remarkably low oxidation potential for glucose oxidation and sensing.

Au nanoparticle-embellished metal-organic framework UiO-66 on reduced graphene oxide (Au/UiO-66/rGO) was synthesized. Au/UiO-66/rGO displayed strong electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of glucose in alkaline solution at a remarkably low oxidation potential of +0.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Au nanoparticles played a paramount role in the catalytic oxidation of glucose at the electrode, while both rGO and UiO-66 can significantly enhance the current responses to glucose. The resulting non-enzymatic glucose sensor exhibited a wide range of linear response, high sensitivity and selectivity for the determination of glucose. The sensor was successfully applied for the determination of glucose in honey products.

Cobalt and zinc nanoparticles from pyrolysis of their MOF precursors exhibiting potent organophosphorus hydrolase-mimicking activities.

Cobalt and zinc nanoparticles from pyrolysis of cobalt-containing ZIF-67 and zinc-containing ZIF-90 exhibited potent organophosphorus hydrolase-mimicking activities for the hydrolysis of organophosphorus compounds within minutes at pH 9.0 and 25-40 °C. The resulting nanozymes could find potential applications in many areas such as chemical decontamination, environmental protection and defense of chemical weapons.