Postmodulation of the Metal–Organic Framework Precursor toward the Vacancy-Rich Cu x O Transducer for Sensitivity Boost: Synthesis, Catalysis, and H2O2 Sensing

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) act as versatile coordinators for the subsequent synthesis of high-performance catalysts by providing dispersed metal-ion distribution, initial coordination condition, dopant atom ratios, and so on. In this work, a crystalline MOF trans-[Cu­(NO3)2(Him)4] was synthesized as the novel precursor of a redox-alternating Cu x O electrochemical catalyst. Through simple temperature modulation, the gradual transformation toward a highly active nanocomposite was characterized to ascertain the signal enhancing mechanism in H2O2 reduction. Owing to the proprietary structure of the transducer material and its ensuing high activity, a proof-of-principle sensor was able to provide an amplified sensitivity of 2330 μA mM–1 cm–2. The facile one-pot preparation and intrinsic nonenzymatic nature also suggests its wide potentials in medical settings.