Gold functionalised attapulgite for discrimination of hydrogen peroxide and oxidising ions

Aiming to monitor hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions in aqueous circumstance, functionalized attapulgite [i.e. gold-modified attapulgite nanocomposites (Au/ATP NCs)] as peroxidase mimics were prepared by loading β-cysteamine-capped gold nanoparticles onto attapulgite with the use of electrostatic interactions. As-prepared Au/ATP NCs were used for the detection of H 2 O 2 . The linear range and detection limit for H 2 O 2 were determined by quantitative experiments emerging excellent stability and recyclability. The peroxidase-like activity of Au/ATP NCs could be expanded for the detection of some oxidative ions (Fe 3+ and Ag + ) was also been discovered. Based on the absorption spectrum and steady-state kinetics, the mechanism for peroxidase mimic reaction is investigated. This work represents the first example of multitarget detection for molecule and cations (H 2 O 2 , Fe 3+ and Ag + ) using Au/ATP NCs as peroxidase enzyme mimics and holds a promise for future biomedical and analytical applications.