Dual-Mode Ce-MOF Nanozymes for Rapid and Selective Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Aquatic Products

Abstract

Increasing concern over the safety of consumable products, particularly aquatic products, due to freshness issues, has become a pressing issue. Therefore, ensuring the quality and safety of aquatic products is paramount. To address this, a dual-mode colorimetric–fluorescence sensor utilizing Ce-MOF as a mimic peroxidase to detect H2S was developed. Ce-MOF was prepared by a conventional solvothermal synthesis method. Ce-MOF catalyzed the oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB). When dissolved, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was present in the solution, and it inhibited the catalytic effect of Ce-MOF and caused the color of the solution to fade from blue to colorless. This change provided an intuitive indication for the detection of H2S. Through steady-state dynamic analysis, the working mechanism of this sensor was elucidated. The sensor exhibited pronounced color changes from blue to colorless, accompanied by a shift in fluorescence from none to light blue. Additionally, UV–vis absorption demonstrated a linear correlation with the H2S concentration, ranging from 200 to 2300 µM, with high sensitivity (limit of detection, LOD = 0.262 μM). Fluorescence intensity also showed a linear correlation, ranging from 16 to 320 µM, with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 0.156 μM). These results underscore the sensor’s effectiveness in detecting H2S. Furthermore, the sensor enhanced the accuracy of H2S detection and fulfilled the requirements for assessing food freshness and safety.