Facile colorimetric sensor using oxidase-like activity of octahedral Ag2O particles for highly selective detection of Pb(II) in water

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 915; p. 170025
• Main Authors: Xia, Lian, Luo, Feng, Niu, Xiaojuan, Tang, Yue, Wu, Yuangen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 10.03.2024
• Subjects: Heavy metal; Inhibition; Mimetics; Smartphone-assisted sensor; Visual detection; Inhibition; Visual detection; Mimetics; Smartphone-assisted sensor; Heavy metal
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170025

Pb(II) is a prevalent heavy metal ion classified as a 2B carcinogen. Excessive intake of Pb(II) in the human body can damage the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and immune system, leading to permanent brain damage, anemia, and cancer. Colorimetry can be applied to rapidly determine Pb(II) residues, but there are still many challenges in the accuracy and sensitivity of detection. Based on the inhibitory impact of Pb(II) on the oxidase-like activity of octahedral silver oxide (Ag2O), a colorimetric sensor with smartphone-assisted analysis for the Pb(II) detection was first developed. Herein, it has been found that Pb(II) can adsorb onto the surface of octahedral Ag2O, hindering the production of O2− in the reaction system. This ultimately results in the suppression of oxidase-like activity, leading to a lighter purple appearance of the colorimetric reaction solution. The sensor exhibits a high degree of sensitivity and a limit of detection (LOD) for Pb(II) was calculated as 2.2 μg L−1. Hence, the developed colorimetric sensor with high sensitivity, excellent specificity, and high tolerance to sodium ions is hopeful to have practical applications in Pb(II) detection in environmental water samples. Moreover, the sensor will provide a novel strategy for heavy metal ion detection and other substances. The colorimetric sensor was designed for the rapid detection of Pb(II) residues in water based on inhibiting the oxidase-like activity of octahedral Ag2O. [Display omitted] •The oxidase-like activity of octahedral Ag2O was first used to detect Pb(II).•The inhibition mechanism of oxidase-like activity by Pb(II) was studied.•The colorimetric sensor was constructed and the result was analyzed by smartphone.•The sensor has outstanding sensitive and selective in Pb(II) detection.•The sensor exhibits good applicability in water samples.