Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 microspheres showing high electrochemical activity and their application as supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors

Here, a type of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) of microsphere modified Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs), Ag@Ni3(BTC)2, was prepared through a feasible one-pot hydrothermal reaction, followed by characterization with XRD, FT-IR, SEM, HRTEM, XPS and BET. The doping modification of Ag NPs can effectively improve the conductivity of MOFs, and it has remarkable electrochemical performance as electrode material in supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors. The as-prepared Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 composites show a high performance of 983.0 F/g at 1 A/g with excellent cycling stability and rate capability. Moreover, the electrochemical behavior of the Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 nanocomposite toward Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) was investigated using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry technique. The optimization of operational parameters, such as pH, deposition time, and deposition potential was performed to detect trace levels of metal ions. The results indicated a potential application of Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 as electrode material in supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors. A microspheres metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) modified Ag nanoparticles, Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 has been fabricated through a simple one-pot hydrothermal reaction. The doping modification of Ag NPs can effectively improve the conductivity of MOFs, and it has remarkable electrochemical performance as supercapacitor and electrochemical sensor electrode material. [Display omitted] •Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 nanocomposites were fabricated through one-pot hydrothermal reaction.•Ag@Ni3(BTC)2 material was applied for the electrochemical sensing for simultaneous detection of Pb(Ⅱ), Cu(Ⅱ) and Hg(Ⅱ).•It has remarkable electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrode material and electrochemical sensor.