ZIF-8@aminopropyl-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate/carbon nanotubes composite for sensitive electrochemical detection of bisphenol a in real samples

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely employed in the production of plastic bottles and food packaging. However, excessive BPA poses significant environmental and biological risks, highlighting the importance of sensitive detection methods. Herein, a novel ternary composite material was prepared using aminopropyl-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate (AMP), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through a two-step synthesis approach. This material was applied to the sensitive electrochemical detection of BPA by directly oxidizing the target molecule at the modified electrode. The utilization of AMP, which suffers from poor aqueous stability, was realized by combining it with ZIF-8. The introduction of MWCNTs improved the conductivity of ZIF-8@AMP, thereby enhancing the detection performance of the ZIF-8@AMP/MWCNTs modified electrode. Given the high specific surface area, strong electron conductivity and excellent stability of ZIF-8@AMP/MWCNTs composites, BPA was detected with the linear range (0.04–46.9 μM) and the low limit of detection (LOD, 3.2 nM). Moreover, the sensor can detect BPA sensitively in tap water, lake water and milk with recoveries of 91.9–104.8 %. In addition, this sensor also exhibits good reproducibility, stability and selectivity, firstly providing a new method for the detection of BPA.