Two sensitive and ratiometric fluorescent
probes (probe I and probe
II) were developed for the detection of fluoride ions. Probe I can
detect fluoride ions quantitatively within a range of 0–6 μM
and a detection limit of 73 nM, while probe II has a range of 0–40
μM and a detection limit of 138 nM. The test strips from probe
I are quickly able to recognize F
–
(5 min) inside
of the F
–
safety level in drinking water (1.0 mg/L,
∼5 μM) under 254 nm ultraviolet light, and the test strips
from probe II quickly recognize F
–
(12 min) in dangerously
high F
–
levels in water (4.0 mg/L, ∼21 μM)
under 254 nm ultraviolet light. This combination of fluorescent paper
sensors from probe I and probe II can be used as a simple and convenient
tool to determine whether water is safe to drink or dangerous.