Herein, we present a catalysis-based, label-free, and efficient strategy for a rapid, high-throughput, highly selective and ultrasensitive naked-eye colorimetric assay of Au³⁺ in aqueous solutions, based on the gold amalgam-stimulated peroxidase mimetic activity.

To determine the appropriate welding heat input for simulated coarse grained heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of 800 MPa-grade steel used in hydropower penstocks, the microstructural evolution, hardness, and 50% fraction appearance transition temperature (50% FATT) were investigated. The results indicated that when the cooling rate (heat input) is reduced (increased), the impact toughness at −20 °C and hardness of the simulated CGHAZ decreased. When the heat input increased from 18 to 81 kJ/cm, the 50% FATT increased from −80 °C to −11 °C. At 18 kJ/cm, the microstructures consisted of lath bainite and granular bainite, but lath bainite decreased with increasing heat input. The increase in the 50% FATT was attributed mainly to an increase in the austenite grain size and effective grain size, and a decrease in lath bainite and the fraction of HAGBs (misorientation: ≥15°).