Two novel laccase-like nanozymes based on azole ligands for constructing pH-dependent sensor array for recognizing...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Halogenated phenolic compounds are toxic industrial pollutants found in wastewater, posing significant environmental risks due to their persistence and high toxicity.
• Existing methods for differentiating halogenated phenols are often complex and rely on large-scale instrumentation, highlighting the need for convenient and rapid detection technologies.
• The type and position of halogen substituents greatly influence the toxicity and environmental impact of phenolic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, convenient sensing technology for the simultaneous identification and detection of various halogenated phenols.
• To create a sensor array capable of differentiating and quantifying fluorophenols, chlorophenols, and bromophenols for targeted pollution control.
• To assess the sensor array's performance in real water samples, including its stability and anti-interference capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of two novel laccase-like nanozymes utilizing asymmetric azole ligands (thiazole-2-carboxylic acid and imidazole-2-carboxylic acid) coordinated with Cu²⁺.
• Construction of a four-channel sensor array based on the differential catalytic activity of the nanozymes in color development reactions with halogenated phenols and 4-aminoantipyrine.
• Testing the sensor array's performance under different pH conditions (pH 7 and pH 8) for discrimination and quantification of eight halogenated phenols.

Main Results:

• The sensor array successfully discriminated and quantified eight halogenated phenols within the concentration range of 5-100 μM.
• The developed method demonstrated good anti-interference capabilities against non-target phenols, common ions, and heavy metal ions.
• Accurate differentiation of halogenated phenols was achieved in real water body samples, indicating practical applicability.

Conclusions:

• The novel nanozyme-based sensor array provides a convenient and effective tool for the simultaneous identification and quantification of halogenated phenols.
• The sensor's stability and anti-interference properties make it suitable for real-world environmental monitoring and pollution control applications.
• This technology offers a promising basis for developing targeted strategies to manage halogenated phenolic pollutants in industrial wastewater.