Decoration of leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) with Au nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple self-assembly method was described in this work. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, N-2 adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. Acetaminophen (AP) is most commonly referred to as an over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic, which is a key factor in relieving fever and pain. It is particular significant to take efforts and conduct research for the development of reliable methods to detect the AP. An electrochemical sensor for AP was constructed based on the Au/ZIF-L, which exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of AP with the catalytic rate constant (k(cat)) of 4.27 x 10(4) M-1 s(-1) and diffusion coefficient (D) of of 8.31 x 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1). Importantly, Au/ZIF-L was developed as an effective sensing platform for the detection of AP, which showed high analytical performance, such as a linear range of 3.50 mu M-0.056 mM with sensitivity of 37.28 mu A mM(-1), a linear range of 0.056-0.56 mM with sensitivity of 25.10 mu A mM(-1), and a low limit of detection of 1.02 mu M. The successfully fabricated Au/ZIF-L device can be used to accurately measure the amount of AP in pharmaceutical samples. Results implied the potential application of functionalized MOF composite materials in the field of electrocatalysis, making it particularly suitable for electroanalytical chemistry. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.