Colorimetric sensor nanoarchitectonics for trace Pb2+ ions detection by porous fungus-like CoS nanozyme.

The heavy metal lead (Pb) holds significant importance in the manufacturing industry due to its extensive range of applications. However, its high toxicity poses a serious risk to both environment and human health. Consequently, on-site portable analysis methods have been developed to detect Pb²⁺, which is advantageous for obtaining timely information regarding environmental pollution. In this study, a fungal-like porous CoS (FP CoS) was discovered to selectively recognize, adsorb, and detect Pb²⁺. FP CoS exhibited rapid kinetics (reducing from 8.56 mg∙L^–1 to 69 µg∙L^–1 within 30 min) as well as exceptional adsorption capacity of 88.14 mg∙g⁻¹ for Pb²⁺. Benefiting from the selective enrichment of Pb²⁺, the peroxidase-like activity of FP CoS nanoenzyme was further enhanced, enabling colorimetric detection of Pb²⁺ with a detection limit of 14 ng∙L^–1, surpassing numerous reported materials. When applied to environmental samples spiked with 0–100 μg∙L^–1 Pb²⁺, the combination of FP CoS nanosensor and a portable RGB color sensor yielded an impressive recovery percentage of 112 %. Based on these results, the FP CoS nanosensor not only provides a rapid and visually discernible colorimetric approach for trace and ultra-trace Pb²⁺ but also serves as a sensitive sensor for detecting Pb²⁺ in various scenarios. [Display omitted] • A fungal-like porous CoS (FP CoS) for the adsorption, removal and monitoring of Pb²⁺ was generated. • After selective enrichment of Pb²⁺, the peroxidase-like activity of FP CoS nanoenzyme was further enhanced. • When coupling to an integrated enrichment-detection strategy utilizing the RGB sensor, a detection limit as low as 0.014 μg L⁻¹. • FP CoS nanosensor detect Pb²⁺ in river water with impressive recoveries of 112–117 %. • The current results provide a new avenue to the on-site detection of Pb²⁺ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]