Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-doped Carbon Dots for Ratiometric Fluorometric Determination of Mercury Ions

• Published in: Journal of fluorescence 2024-10
• Main Authors: Li, Fenglan, Lu, Liqin, Wu, Yutong, Meng, Liang, Zhu, Binling, Xu, Quanming, Zhuang, Guoxin, Zhuang, Junyang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1053-0509; 1573-4994; 1573-4994
• DOI: 10.1007/s10895-024-04010-2

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (N, S-CDs) were prepared for dual-channel ratiometric fluorescence determination of mercury ions (Hg ). The dual-emission N, S-CDs were synthesized using a simple one-pot hydrothermal treatment. When excited with visible light, N,S-CDs exhibited two emission peaks at 390 and 500 nm. Notably, the presence of Hg caused a considerable decrease in the fluorescence of N, S-CDs at 500 nm, mainly due to the static quenching effect. In comparison, the fluorescence at 390 nm was almost unchanged. With a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.21 µM for Hg , the N, S-CDs were successfully applied to the unlabeled ratiometric fluorescence determination of Hg in actual water samples with good recoveries (94.5-107.8%). In conclusion, this developed ratiometric fluorescent sensor provides a reliable, environmentally friendly, rapid, and efficient platform for detecting Hg in environmental applications.