Exploring the economic viability of electrochemical assessment for water contaminants with NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 core shell modified GCE

Zeolitic Imidazolate (metal organic) Frameworks (ZIFs) and Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) are promising materials in electrochemical sensing due to their unique properties. In this study, a composite material comprising NiFe-PBA and ZIF-67 was synthesized and made to form a uniform layer onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to enhance electrochemical performance for furazolidone (FZD) detection. The synthesized NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 composite exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and stability towards FZD detection, with a low limit of detection (LOD). The electrochemical behaviour of FZD on the NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67/GCE electrode was investigated, revealing a diffusion-controlled process. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analysis demonstrated the synergetic effect of the PBA/MOF core-shell structure in enhancing FZD electro-reduction. The sensor exhibited exceptional LOD of 0.007 μM. Selectivity studies confirmed the sensor's ability to distinguish FZD from potential interferents. Extensive evaluations demonstrated the sensor's reproducibility, repeatability, and long-term stability, affirming its practical utility. Real sample analysis further validated the sensor's excellent analytical capabilities in diverse matrices. [Display omitted] •A novel core-shell structured MOF embedded Prussian Blue Analogues was designed for the electrochemical detection of an antibiotic drug.•The development of such sensors showed excellent electrochemical performances which will help in reducing environmental pollution.•The NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 composite showed a lower LOD of about 7 nM.•The sensor's real-world utilization was highly appreciable with excellent selectivity, stability, repeatability, and reproducible behavior.•Thus, the NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 stands as a promising electrode material for monitoring the environmental pollutant furazolidone.