An ultrasensitive luteolin sensor based on MOFs derived CuCo coated nitrogen-doped porous carbon polyhedron

[Display omitted] •CuCo@NPCP materials are synthesized by facile, simple and low-cost method.•3D framework and mesoporous structure accelerate electron and mass transfer capacity.•CuCo@NPCP shows high electrocatalytic activity towards luteolin oxidation.•Electrochemical sensor based on CuCo@NPCP with high sensitivity of 134.57 μA μM−1. Designing high-efficiency electrocatalysts for luteolin detection is essential and vital in biological and medical field. Herein, CuCo coated nitrogen-enriched porous carbon polyhedron (CuCo@NPCP) materials are fabricated as a highly sensitive electrochemical luteolin sensor by simple and mild approach. As characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and electrochemical methods, CuCo@NPCP materials possess high specific surface area, 3D porous framework, amounts of available active sites, which all contribute to the adsorption and catalysis for luteolin. Meanwhile, vast mesoporous structure of CuCo@NPCP further affords more mass transport channels and enhances the mass transfer capacity. Thanks to above-mentioned characteristics, optimal Cu1Co3@NPCP presents superior analytical performance: a wide linear range from 0.2 nM to 2.5 μM, a ultrahigh sensitivity of 134.57 μA μM−1 surpassing to other reported catalysts previously, a low detection limit of 0.08 nM, as well as satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility, and long-term stability. This work offers an attractive catalyst derived from MOFs for constructing effective luteolin sensors.