Ultrasensitive and highly specific detection of iodine ions using zirconium (IV)-enhanced oxidation

Nuclear energy has significantly promoted the development of human society. However, nuclear pollution caused by accidents can lead to significant hazards environment and health. As a major radioactive product, iodine (mainly existing as I−) detection attracted attentions. In this study, zirconium(IV) is used enhance oxidation environmental I− form I2. Subsequently, generated I2 oxidizes chemical chromogenic substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine, which for realizes an ultralow limit (LoD) 0.176 nM. The LoD our method, best knowledge, lowest among those available methods detection. Furthermore, method also shows high specificity reliability, making it promising technique detecting in practical environments.