Graphitic carbon nitride supported platinum nanocomposites for rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection of mercury...

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride supported platinum nanocomposites (g-C₃N₄/PtNPs) have been synthesized for the first time by an ultrasonic-assisted chemical reduction method. By using g-C₃N₄ as the stabilizer, Pt ions could be reduced to PtNPs by NaBH₄ and uniformly deposited on the surface of g-C₃N₄. The resulting g-C₃N₄/PtNPs exhibited enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) compared to that of g-C₃N₄ or PtNPs alone. After interaction with Hg²⁺, the catalytic activity of g-C₃N₄/PtNPs was effectively inhibited due to the formation of HgPt amalgam. On the basis of this effect, a novel label free colorimetric sensor has been developed for sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ through the g-C₃N₄/PtNPs mediated catalytic reaction. A detection limit as low as 1.23 nM was achieved. This assay also exhibited excellent selectivity toward Hg²⁺ over other metal ions. In addition, it was successfully applied to the determination of Hg²⁺ in real water samples. In view of the advantages, such as simple operation, cost-effective, rapid response and naked-eye observation, the developed colorimetric sensor hold great potential for the detection of toxic Hg²⁺ in environmental and biological samples.