A novel dual-function probe for recognition of Zn2+ and Al3+ and its application in real samples

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 2020-03, Vol.228, p.117786, Article 117786
• Main Authors: Sun, Xue-Jiao, Liu, Ting-Ting, Li, Na-Na, Zeng, Shuang, Xing, Zhi-Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Al3; Dual-function; Fluorescence; Logic gate; Plant imaging; Zn2
• ISSN: 1386-1425
• DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117786

A dual-function probe NAHH based on naphthalene was synthesized and characterized. Based on the combination effects derived from the inhabitation of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and CN isomerization, probe NAHH achieved in the recognition of Zn2+ and Al3+ both through obvious fluorescence enhancement and color changes detected by naked eye, respectively. Probe NAHH showed high sensitivity with the limit of detection as low as 3.02 × 10−7 M for Zn2+ and 7.55 × 10−8 M for Al3+, indicated the capability of probe NAHH in trace detection for Zn2+ and Al3+. The binding ratio of NAHH with Zn2+ and Al3+ were all 1:1 determined by Job plot, and the corresponding association constant was calculated as 8.48 × 104 M−1 and 4.45 × 105 M−1, respectively. The mechanism was further confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR titration and ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, probe NAHH was successfully applied in logic gate construction and the detection of Zn2+ and Al3+ in Songhua River and test stripe. Fluorescence imaging experiments confirmed that NAHH could be used to monitor Zn2+ in plant root. [Display omitted] •Chemosensor NAHH with naphthalene fluorophore was synthesized and characterized.•NAHH exhibits highly selective to Zn2+ and Al3+ with significant fluorescence turn-on and color change.•Limit of detection (LOD) for Zn2+ and Al3+ was reached the level of 10−8 M and 10−7 M, respectively.•NAHH was successfully applied in the detection of Zn2+ and Al3+ in test paper and imaging in plant root of soybean.