Paper-based colorimetric sensor using a single-atom nanozyme for the ultrasensitive detection of Cr(vi) in short-necked clams†

Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) as a class of highly active nanozymes with the advantages of high atom utilization, high catalytic activity and stability have attracted great attention. In this work, Fe–N–C SAzymes with exceptional oxidase (OXD)-like activity were achieved utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a template. The Fe–N–C SAzymes with remarkable OXD-like activity could oxidize TMB to blue oxTMB, but 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) as a metal chelator is capable of discoloring oxTMB. Thus, the addition of 8-HQ decolorized the solution. However, upon the introduction of Cr(VI) ions, 8-HQ preferentially chelated with the Cr(VI) ions, reversing the inhibition of the color reaction and restoring the blue color. Based on this phenomenon, we constructed a novel paper-based analytical device (PAD) that exhibited a linear range of 5–1000 μM and an LOD of 1.2 μM. Importantly, the PAD used in this study shows the merits of simplicity, low preparation costs, and rapid reaction times. When combined with smartphone RGB analysis, it enables the simultaneous analysis of eight different Cr(VI) concentrations without the need for large-scale instrumentation. Moreover, the proposed PAD displays high selectivity, accuracy and utility in testing actual short-necked clam samples. This work not only provides a simple and cost-effective method to detect Cr(VI) but also makes a contribution to rapid food testing.