Multifunctional CuS-based micro-flower loaded with carbon dots/laccase for effectively detection and removal of catechol

The miniaturization and autonomous mobility of the artificial micro-composite have gained widespread interest and attention in the field of catechol treatment. Unfortunately, it is a bottleneck for micro-composite in realizing the integration of multiple functions such as colorimetric detection and removal of catechol. Herein, we construct a Janus micro-composite with dual functions of detection and degradation for the efficient detection and removal of catechol. The Janus micro-composite for laccase immobilization was prepared by growing manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) on the hemisphere of copper sulfide (CuS) loaded with carbon (C) dots (Lac-MnO2@C@CuS). The half-coated MnO2 NPs is used as a power source to generate oxygen (O2), which drives the Janus micro-composite for autonomous directional motion at a speed of 178.83 ± 2.07 μm/s in the presence of 5 wt% H2O2. The Janus micro-composite with excellent peroxidase-like properties could display sensitive detection of catechol with the detection limits of 0.49 μM in range of 0–100 μM. Furthermore, the Janus micro-composite could decompose H2O2 to produce abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fenton reaction, which could promote the removal rate of catechol up to 96.6%. This is a promising micro-composite platform for integrated autonomous movement and simultaneous detection/removal of catechol, which can provide a new perspective for water environment treatment.