Iron telluride nanorods-based system for the detection of total mercury in blood

► Iron telluride nanorods (FeTe NRs) are prepared from tellurium nanowires (Te NWs). ► Mercury telluride nanorods (HgTe NRs) form by cation exchange reaction of FeTe NRs. ► Fe2+ ions released catalyze the oxidation of ABTS by H2O2. ► Mercury is effectively determined in blood with an LOD of 1.31 nM at S/N ratio 3.