Engineering Photoelectrochemical Detection by Combining Nanozyme and Oxygen Reduction

Abstract

Efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection requires a deep understanding of the processes involved in generating, separating, and reacting photoinduced carriers at interfaces. However, slow interfacial reactions and the need for appropriate photoactive layers pose significant challenges to constructing advanced PEC platforms. In this study, platinum single-atom catalysts (Pt SACs) were integrated onto semiconductor surfaces as a proof of concept, amplifying PEC signals by boosting oxygen reduction reactions. Pt SACs were also shown to exhibit efficient peroxidase-like activity, depressing PEC signals through Pt SACs-mediated enzymatic precipitation reactions. By utilizing the oxygen reduction and peroxidase-like activity of Pt SACs, a robust PEC sensing platform was successfully constructed for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. This research provides valuable insights into the use of SACs for sensitive PEC analysis. Figure 1