Two-dimensional metal-organic framework nanozyme-mediated portable paper-based analytical device for dichlorophen assay

The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanozyme-mediated paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have shown great potential in portable visual determination of phenolic compounds in the environment. However, most MOF nanozymes suffer from poor dispersibility and block-like structure, which often prompts deposition and results in diminished enzymatic activity, severely hindering their environmental applications. Here, we proposed colorimetric PADs for the visual detection of dichlorophen (Dcp) based on its significant inhibitory effect on the two-dimensional (2D) MOF nanozyme activity. Specifically, we synthesized a 2D Cu TCPP (Fe) (defined as 2D-CTF) MOF nanozyme exhibiting excellent dispersibility and remarkable peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, which could catalyze the oxidation and subsequent color change of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine even under neutral conditions. Notably, the POD-like activity of 2D-CTF demonstrated a unique response to Dcp because of the occupation of Fe–N4 active sites on the 2D-CTF. This property enables the use of 2D-CTF as a highly efficient catalyst to develop colorimetric PADs for naked-eye and portable detection of Dcp. We believe that the proposed colorimetric PADs offer an efficient method for Dcp assay and open fresh avenues for the advancement of colorimetric sensors for analyzing of phenolic toxic substances in real samples.