Construction of AuNPs/reduced graphene nanoribbons co-modified molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for the detection of zearalenone

•A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for ZEA detection was developed.•O-GNRs was prepared by cutting CNTs using an improved Hummers’ oxidation method.•The rGNRs and AuNPs are electrodeposited on GCE to amplify electrochemical signals.•MIP is generated on the electrode by electropolymerization to improve selectivity.•The sensor has a linear range of 1–500 ng/mL and the detection limit is 0.34 ng/mL.