This study aims to
use graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a fluorescence
switching sensor (turn on–off) for the simultaneous detection
of cyanide (CN–) and ferricyanide [Fe(CN)6]3– in wastewater samples. The GQDs were synthesized
by pyrolyzing solid citric acid. The intrinsic blue color of the solution
was observed under ultraviolet irradiation. The fluorescence spectrum
was maximized at both excitation and emission wavelengths of 370 and
460 nm, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of GQDs decorated
with Hg2+ (turn-off mode as the starting baseline) could
be selectively turned on in the presence of CN– and
once back to turn-off mode by [Fe(CN)6]3–. The fluorescence switching properties were used to develop a fluorescence
turn-on–off sensor that could be used to detect trace amounts
of CN– and [Fe(CN)6]3– in water samples. For highly sensitive detection under optimum conditions
(Britton–Robinson buffer solution in the pH range of 8.0–9.0,
linearity ranges of 5.0–15.0 μM (R
2 = 0.9976) and 10.0–50.0 μM (R
2 = 0.9994), respectively, and detection limits of 3.10
and 9.48 μM, respectively), good recoveries in the ranges of
85.89–112.66% and 84.88–113.92% for CN– and [Fe(CN)6]3–, respectively, were
recorded. The developed methods were successfully used for the simultaneous
and selective detection of CN– and [Fe(CN)6]3– in wastewater samples obtained from local municipal
water reservoirs.