Cost-Effective and Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor (Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs) for Mercury Detection in Seawater

Abstract

The release of mercury into the environment has adverse effects on humans and aquatic species, even at very low concentrations. Pyrene and its derivatives have interesting fluorescence properties that can be utilized for mercury (Hg2+) ion sensing. Herein, we reported the highly selective pyrene-functionalized silica nanoparticles (Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs) for chemosensing mercury (Hg2+) ions in a seawater sample. The Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs were synthesized via a two-step protocol. First, a modified Stöber method was adopted to generate amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NH2@SiO2 NPs). Second, 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid was coupled to NH2@SiO2 NPs using a peptide coupling reaction. As-synthesized NH2@SiO2 NPs and Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs were thoroughly investigated by 1H-NMR, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, TGA, and BET surface area analysis. The fluorescent properties were examined in deionized water under UV-light illumination. Finally, the developed Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs were tested as a chemosensor for Hg2+ ions detection in a broad concentration range (0–50 ppm) via photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The chemosensor can selectively detect Hg2+ ions in the presence of ubiquitous ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Ag+, and seawater samples). The quenching of fluorescence properties with Hg2+ ions (LOD: 10 ppb) indicates that Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs can be effectively utilized as a promising chemosensor for mercury ion detection in seawater environments.

An Experimental and Quantum (QTAIM) Performance Study of a Proposed Molecular Chemosensor: A Quinazolinone‐Based Sensor for Hg2+ Ion Detection

“…[39] 0.49 ppb Cost-Effective and Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor (Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs) for Mercury Detection in Seawater. [40] 10 ppb…”

Ratiometric fluorescence detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanocluster/carbon quantum dots nanohybrids

“…Recently, various uorescence assays have been developed to detect Hg 2+ due to their unique advantages, such as rapid analysis and high sensitivity and selectivity. [9][10][11][12][13][14] In particular, Hg 2+ uorescence detection based on various uorescent nanomaterials has been widely reported; for example, sensors based on Hg 2+ induced uorescence quenching were developed for the determination of Hg 2+ using semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), 15 metal nanoclusters, 14,16 and carbon nanomaterials. 17 Wang et al 15 reported a label-free sensor for Hg 2+ detection in tap water, river water, and wastewater treatment plant effluent based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs).…”

Electrochemical Determination of Hg2+ on a Poly (Eriochrome Blue Black R) Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

“…Therefore, there is a great desire to design reliable methods that are sensitive, selective and efficient for the determination of Hg 2+ , especially in water. Many analytical methods have been proposed, including HPLC-ICP-MS [9], nonchromatography atomic spectroscopy [10], fluorescence sensing [11], and surface-enhanced Raman scattering [12]. Although these methods show excellent detection performance, most of them require expensive precision instruments, complex sample preparation processes, skilled operators and they cannot be conveniently used online or outdoors [6].…”