The Preparation of Cu(II)- and Ag(I)-responsive Carbon Nanodots from the Right Amino-acid Carbon Source

Carbon nanodots (CDs) have exhibited excellent sensing capability for various metal ions. However, it is difficult to determine the selectivity of CDs to metal ions. In this work, we chose appropriate carbon source to design CD sensors against Cu(II) and Ag(I). Glycine, histidine and leucine have been confirmed to form complexes with Cu(II) and Ag(I), and were applied to prepare CDs using microwave heating method. The as-prepared CDs inherited the specific ion-binding capability from their carbon source and could response to both Cu(II) and Ag(I). The response sensitivity corresponded to the binding energy between the carbon source and metal ions. These experimental results are very important for the further design of CD sensors for a large variety of analytes.

Automated summary

In this study, CD sensors were designed against Cu(II) and Ag(I) using appropriate carbon sources, showing responses to both metal ions. The response sensitivity was found to correspond to the binding energy between the carbon source and metal ions, which is crucial for further design of CD sensors for various analytes. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of CD sensors with improved selectivity.