A fluorescence “turn-on” probe for the detection of HSO3− based on a pyrene-functionalized mesoporous silica material

• Published in: New journal of chemistry 2023-06, Vol.47 (22), p.10819-10825
• Main Authors: Zhao, Xinyue, Zhao, Qian, Lu, Yating, Xu, Wen, Wang, Jing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aqueous environments; Drinking water; Fluorescent indicators; Functional groups; Hybrid systems; Michael reaction; Nitrogen; Public health; Sensitivity; Silicon dioxide; System effectiveness
• ISSN: 1144-0546; 1369-9261
• DOI: 10.1039/d3nj01095c

The sensitive detection of bisulfite residues (HSO3−) is of great importance for ecosystems and public health. In order to overcome the problems of poor water dispersion stability and low sensitivity of HSO3− detection systems, an organic–inorganic hybrid mesoporous silica material PYA-SBA-15 was prepared, by introducing a pyrene fluorophore and different kinds of nitrogen-containing functional groups onto SBA-15. PYA-SBA-15 was developed as a fluorescent probe for the detection of HSO3− with high selectivity and sensitivity, and PYA-SBA-15 was applied for detecting HSO3− in practical samples such as tap water (RSD < 2.3%). Upon adding HSO3−, the fluorescence intensity of PYA-SBA-15 at 383 and 398 nm enhanced significantly, which was attributed to the Michael addition reaction between the carbon–nitrogen double bonds in PYA-SBA-15 and HSO3−. This work provided a simple and effective strategy for designing HSO3− detection systems with superior properties, such as “turn-on” fluorescence response and application in an aqueous environment without resorting to organic solvents.