Water-induced CsPbBr3@PbBr(OH) semiconductor for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of hydroquinone

PbBr(OH)-coated CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) nanocomposites were constructed by water-induced method, and PbBr(OH) provided a physical barrier around CsPbBr3 NCs, which greatly improved their water stability. Then, it was found that 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) could be oxidized to typical blue oxTMB under simulated sunlight, and it would become colorless after hydroquinone (HQ) was introduced into the system. Based on this characteristic, a colorimetric sensing platform was constructed for detection of HQ in water, which has the characteristics of low detection limit and high sensitivity. The strategy provides a new insight for the detection of HQ.