A dual-functional halloysite nanotube-based nanoprobe for the detection and removal of hypochlorite

Abstract

Hypochlorite (ClO⁻) is closely involved in human health and environmental safety. Therefore, it is of vital importance to realize the detection and separation of ClO⁻. Herein, a nanoprobe with analysis and removal capabilities of ClO⁻ was synthesized via immobilizing coumarin-based functional molecules on halloysite nanotubes. The probe can easily detect ClO⁻ in aqueous solution without the need for organic solvents, showing a fast detection time (10 s), a wide pH range (4–11), a low detection limit (8.4 nM), and a credible recovery rate range of 93.6–105.1%. The probe was further prepared into convenient test papers to realize the visual detection of ClO⁻. More importantly, it also enabled the removal of ClO⁻, and the removal rate was as high as 99.6%.