Ultrafast colorimetric detection of Cr(VI) based on competition of 8-HQ to Cr(VI) and TMB oxides using GO/AuNPs nanocomposites as peroxidase mimic

Rapid detection of ultra-trace heavy metal chromium is very important for ecological environment. Herein, a rapid colorimetric assay was constructed for detecting hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in environment water through the strong peroxidase mimicking activity of graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles (GO/AuNPs) nanocomposites and competition of Cr(VI) to 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxides and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ). Cr(VI) could effectively prevent the reaction between 8-HQ and TMB oxides to restore the blue color of the system. The detection limit for Cr(VI) was as low as0.018 µM by spectroscopic absorption. Paper-based colorimetric analysis had the detection limit of0.153 µM. The high sensitivity was basically due to the strong peroxidase mimicking activity of GO/AuNPs nanocomposite from synergistic coupling action and the firm chelation between 8-HQ and Cr(VI) from inner-sphere surface complexation. The detection results for real water sample showed that the analysis had feasibility in practical application. It is worth mentioning that the assay is performed by one-step mixing mode at room temperature, and a single test can be completed in half a minute. Indeed, this work not only provided an extremely easy method for real-time detecting Cr(VI) in the environment, but also verified the vitality of colorimetric strategy based on the strong peroxidase mimicking activity and competitive reaction.