A MOF-derived porous carbon with high specific surface area and robust structure was successfully synthesized by carbonizing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8). With the investigation of the carbonization temperature and the preparation process, the synthesized ligand-derived carbon matrix (Z-1000) displayed a high electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity owing to the spatially ordered porous structure, high graphitization and doped nitrogen. In order to test the electrochemical properties of this material, a range of substances were detected by Z-1000 modified electrodes (Z-1000/ GCE) and satisfactory results were obtained. In optimized conditions, the linear responses of the Z-1000/GCE for uric acid (UA) and catechol (CT) were obtained from 0.001 mM to 0.3 mM with detection limit of 1.4 x 10 (8) M and 2.78 x 10 (7) M, respectively. And a linear range for hydroquinone (HQ) was in the region of 0.001 mM-0.2 mM with detection limits of 2.15 x 10 (7) M. These unique physical and chemical properties made it hold great promise in the development of multifunctional sensor. Meanwhile, the low cost and facile preparation of MOF-derived carbon made it become a potential candidate for electroanalysis. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.