Ligands tuned Zn-MOFs with superior electrocatalytic performance for BPA sensor construction

The design and tuning of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a powerful strategy for designing advanced sensors that enable accurate and rapid analyte detection. In this study, the effect of several organic linkers (1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate acid, biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate acid, and 1,3,5-Tris(4-carboxyphenyl) benzene) on the morphological and structural properties of Zn-MOFs has been studied. Additionally, the as-prepared Zn-MOFs were utilized to investigate their BPA sensing properties. Ligand tuning enhances sensor performance by introducing functional groups that promote stronger analyte interactions and faster signal response. The Zn-BPDC (biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate) promotes robust π-π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of BPA and the BPDC ligands, thereby increasing sensing capabilities. Furthermore, it promotes the formation of a needle-shaped structure, which has superior BPA sensing capabilities compared to other Zn-MOFs. The current response of the Zn-BPDC/GCE exhibited a robust linear correlation with BPA concentrations from 0.05 to 6 μM and a low detection limit of 0.033 μM with excellent stability. The practical applicability of the sensor was evaluated using milk, drinking water, and tap water, achieving impressive recovery of BPA between 94.1 % and 105.6 %. Thus, the designed sensor may serve as a viable alternative for the identification of BPA as well as estrogenic substrates. • BPDC, BDC, BTC and BTB ligands were used to tune the coordination and electronic structures of Zn-MOFs precisely. • Comprehensive structural characterization revealed ligand-dependent crystal morphologies of Zn-MOFs. • Zn-BPDC exhibited the highest conductivity and electrocatalytic activity toward BPA oxidation. • The sensor achieves efficient performance for BPA determination in the actual samples.