Synthesis of ZnFe2O4/ZnO heterostructures decorated three-dimensional graphene foam as peroxidase mimetics for colorimetric assay of hydroquinone

Abstract

The 3D ZnO/ZnFe2O4/graphene foam (ZZFO/GF) was successfully prepared by template method and hydrothermal process as a sensing platform for colorimetric detection of hydroquinone (HQ). It is found that the foam exhibited improved peroxidase-like activity that could quickly catalyze 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 and produced a blue color, which can be observed by naked eyes. And the HQ was detected by means of fading the color of the oxTMB, which is a sensitive and simple colorimetric method that is rarely used for detection of HQ. Therefore, a simple, sensitive and selective sensing platform was established. A good linear range from 0 to 150 μM and low detection limit of 3.75 μM was achieved. Furthermore, the materials could be easily recollected by applying a magnetic field. This method exhibited practical potential in environmental pollutant analysis and actual detection of HQ in local river water was achieved.