Synthesizing NiAl-layered double hydroxide microspheres with hierarchical structure and electrochemical detection of hydroquinone and catechol

NiAl-layered double hydroxide microspheres with flowerlike hierarchical structure (H-NiAl/LDHs) were successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method with the presence of ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM]BF4). The XRD pattern confirms that the products are nickel aluminum hydrotalcites; SEM images show that microspheres with a size of 3-5 μm consist of dozens of nanoflakes (about 20 nm in thickness) intercrossed with each other. In addition, the H-NiAl/LDHs-modified electrode presents a significant electrocatalytic performance towards the oxidation of hydroquinone and catechol. The linear response range to hydroquinone is 0.01 to 140 μM with high sensitivity (669.8 μAmM− 1 cm− 2) and low detection limit (0.003 μM). For catechol, the linear response range is 0.01 to 400 μM, sensitivity is 418.3 μAmM− 1 cm− 2 and detection limit is 0.003 μM as well as good stability. The H-NiAl/LDHs showing enhanced electrocatalytic performance in this work can be used in electrochemical sensors and electroanalysis.