Spherical SnO2 engineered with MXene quantum dots for ultrasensitive thiophanate-methyl pesticide detection
摘要
Rational design principles have become central to artificial nanozyme development, driven by their cost-effectiveness and high detection sensitivity. The present study employs a straightforward hydrothermal route to fabricate composites of SnO2 spheres and MXene quantum dots (SnO2/MQD), which demonstrate outstanding catalytic activity mimicking peroxidase enzymes. Fluorescence spectroscopy under steady-state conditions confirmed the effective decomposition of H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by the SnO2/MQD. Theoretical modeling based on density functional theory (DFT) identified the Sn-Ti dual-atom center as the catalytically active site responsible for the augmented functionality, which acts as the key active site. The constructed interface significantly promotes both the decomposition of H2O2 and the production of hydroxyl radicals. Capitalizing on this peroxidase-like capability, a colorimetric detection system exhibiting high sensitivity towards thiophanate-methyl was engineered. The colorimetric detection system achieved a limit of detection of 0.042 µg/mL, with relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 0.96% and 3.20%. The findings present a novel paradigm for constructing peroxidase mimics utilizing MQD, underscoring their significant potential for uses in ecological contaminant determination and agricultural product safety assurance.
Graphical Abstract