Analyte-enhanced photocatalytic activity of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for paper-based colorimetric sensing of Hg2+ under visible light.

• CdSe/ZnS QDs exhibited remarkable Hg2+-enhanced photocatalytic activity for TMB oxidation under visible light. • A signal-on paper-based colorimetric device for Hg2+ detection was established. • A detection limit of 0.09 μM and a wide linearity of four orders of magnitude were achieved. • The device was applied for real samples including tap water and cosmetics. CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) were incorporated into a filter paper to produce a paper-based colorimetric device for Hg2+ detection. Under visible light, the CdSe/ZnS QDs acted as a photocatalyst to oxidize TMB, resulting in blue colorization on the paper. Moreover, Hg2+ could enhance the photocatalytic activity of CdSe/ZnS QDs and consequently caused an increase in the color intensity of the paper. The color change of the paper-based device can be directly identified by naked-eye observation or captured by a smartphone and analyzed using image processing software for quantitative analysis. Under optimal conditions, a low detection limit of 0.09 µM was achieved. This device was applied for real samples, including tap water and cosmetics, and achieved satisfying results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]