Quantitative Time-Resolved Visualization of Catalytic Degradation Reactions of Environmental Pollutants by Integrating Single-Drop Microextraction and Fluorescence Sensing

Abstract

Current methods for evaluating catalytic degradation reactions of environmental pollutants primarily rely on chromatography that often suffers from intermittent analysis, a long turnaround period, and complex sample pretreatment. Herein, we propose a quantitative time-resolved visualization method to evaluate the progress of catalytic degradation reactions by integrating sample pretreatment [single-drop microextraction, (SDME)], fluorescence sensing, and a smartphone detection platform. The dechlorination reaction of chlorobenzene derivatives was first investigated to validate the feasibility of this approach, in which SDME plays a critical role in direct sample pretreatment, and inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite encapsulated in a metal–organic framework (MOF-5) was utilized as the fluorescent chromogenic agent (FLCA) in SDME to realize fast in situ colorimetric detection via the color switching from green (CsPbBr3) to blue (chlorine lead bromide, inorganic CsPbCl3 perovskite). The smartphone, which can calculate the B/G value of FLCA, serves as a data output window for quantitative time-resolved visualization. Further, a [Eu­(PMA)] n (PMA= pyromellitic acid) fluorescent probe was constructed to use as an FLCA for the in situ evaluation of cinnamaldehyde and p-nitrophenol catalytic reduction. This approach not only minimizes the utilization of organic solvents and achieves quantitively efficient time-resolved visualization but also provides a feasible method for in situ monitoring of the progress of catalytic degradation reactions.

Unlocking the potential of perovskite-based nanomaterials for revolutionary smartphone-based sensor applications

“…Shang et al have leveraged this enhanced stability by integrating single drop microextraction (SDME) with smartphone-based detection systems, which refines the monitoring of catalytic degradation processes. 97 The perovskite QDs, incorporated into MOF-5 structures, act as colorimetric sensors, and the smartphone's analytical capabilities are harnessed to compute B/G values for precise and immediate in-situ reaction monitoring, as outlined in Fig. 3(II)a–f.…”

Multicolored Carbon Quantum Dots-Based Expanded Fluorescence Strategy for High-Throughput Detection of Various Water Pollutants

“…In recent years, various water pollutants have been identified using fluorescence methods, including heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and nitrobenzoates. 3 However, over 80% of fluorescence detection studies have focused on a limited range of specific pollutants within distinct classes (such as Hg 2+ and Fe 3+ of heavy metals or tetracyclines 4 and penicillins 5 of antibiotics), despite adjustments in preparation or functional-ization methods. This limitation significantly constrains the application of fluorescence detection technologies.…”

“…Herein, fluorescence detection technologies have emerged as favorable alternatives, particularly in environmental emergencies and in situ and high-volume testing scenarios, due to their superior economy, simplicity, and high efficiency. In recent years, various water pollutants have been identified using fluorescence methods, including heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and nitrobenzoates . However, over 80% of fluorescence detection studies have focused on a limited range of specific pollutants within distinct classes (such as Hg 2+ and Fe 3+ of heavy metals or tetracyclines and penicillins of antibiotics), despite adjustments in preparation or functionalization methods.…”