Room temperature biosynthesis of greatly stable fluorescent ZnO quantum dots for the selective detection of Cr3+ ions

• Published in: Materials research bulletin 2017-11, Vol.95, p.163-168
• Main Authors: Kaviya, S., Kabila, S., Jayasree, K.V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biosynthesis; Chromium (III) sensor; Fluorescence; Pomegranate peel; ZnO quantum dots
• ISSN: 0025-5408; 1873-4227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.07.025

Biosynthesized fluorescent ZnO quantum dots are extremely stable and are able to sense up to 2 nM of Cr3+ ions in aqueous solution. [Display omitted] •ZnO quantum dotes (QDs) are rapidly synthesized from the bio waste at room temperature.•The capping and reducing agent is from natural source hence biodegradable.•The water soluble fluorescent ZnO quantum dots are highly stable.•The QDs are able to sense 2nM of Cr3+ ions in aqueous solution. Synthesis of extremely stable and water soluble quantum dots (QDs) would be smart if the method is rapid and eco-friendly. Here in, we have employed a simple strategy for the preparation of well dispersed, luminescent ZnO quantum dots by using pomegranate peel extract at room temperature. This method excludes the use of strong commercial stabilizing agents, different pH conditions, higher temperature and inert atmosphere during the synthesis. The microscopic study has revealed the ZnO QDs to be of a narrow size with an average size distribution of about 4nm. The water soluble QDs exhibited a strong emission peak at 490nm and were stable for twelve months. The emission from ZnO QDs are selectively quenched upon addition of Cr3+ ions. The interaction between the Cr3+ and the biomolecules on the exterior of ZnO QDs, enables the system to detect up to 2nM Cr3+ ions in aqueous solution.