A fluorescence turn-off chemosensor based on N-doped carbon quantum dots for detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solution

In this study, new carbon nanomaterial N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were obtained via a one-step hydrothermal method using isoleucine and citric acid as carbon precursors. TEM results showed that the NCD diameters were not uniform but distributed in the 6-15 nm range, with an average value of 10 nm. The maximum emission wavelength of the obtained NCDs was 415 nm with an excitation wavelength of 370 nm. Under optimal conditions, the nanoparticle can be used as sensors and exhibited a turn-off fluorescence response to Fe3+, with a good linear relationship of (F/F-0) versus Fe3+ over the concentration range of 0-20 mu mol/L. (C) 2014 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.