A paper-based colorimetric chemosensor for rapid and highly sensitive detection of sulfide for environmental monitoring

Abstract

In this study, we report on paper-based colorimetric detection of sulfide using a newly synthesized chemical acting as a chemosensor, based on the deprotonation mechanism. Paper strips were also fabricated and incorporated with the chemosensor for on-site monitoring. The presence of sulfide induced deprotonation of a hydroxyl group of the chemosensor, which eventually resulted in a distinct spectral change in the tube as well as a visible color change on a paper strip. The chemosensor showed a highly selective colorimetric response to sulfide by changing its color from colorless to yellow without any interference from a mixture containing other anions. Moreover, the chemosensor effectively differentiated sulfide from other thiols, including cysteine and glutathione. The chemosensor colorimetrically detected sulfide with a fast response time of 10 s under physiological conditions. Practically, the paper test strip enabled colorimetric visualization of as low as 30 μM sulfide and a good recovery in quantitative analysis in water samples. The introduced paper-based chemosensor is a promising colorimetric strategy with rapid, selective, and sensitive sensing abilities for sulfide monitoring in environmental water samples. © 2021 The Royal Society of Chemistry.