Convenient preparation of Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets on Co3O4 hollow cube for Monitoring the environmental pollutant Nitrobenzene

In this study, zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) was used as a cobalt source, and Co₃O₄ hollow cubes were obtained after air carbonization. Nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH) were subsequently synthesized on the Co₃O₄ hollow cubes using an oil bath method to produce the final material for nitrobenzene (NB) detection. The hollow-cube structure not only provides more active sites and increases surface area but also offers numerous channels for ion and electron transfer, thereby enhancing charge transfer and improving sensing performance. The incorporation of NiFe-LDH further amplifies the synergistic catalytic effect between the transition metals, with each metal playing a distinct role in achieving a coordinated catalytic effect. Under optimized conditions, the composite exhibits a wide linear range (1.5–1765.5 μM) and the limit of detection of 0.162 μM. Additionally, it demonstrates anti-interference, stability, and reproducibility, offering an effective method for trace detection of NB in environmental samples.