Chemical-tongue sensor array for determination of multiple metal ions based on trichromatic lanthanide-based nanomaterials

Rapid detection and identification of multiple metal ions is significant in that toxic metal ions are harmful to public health and environmental safety. Herein, a fluorescent sensor array composed of three lanthanide-based fluorescent probes (Ce-ATP, Tb-GMP, and Eu-BOP) was developed as a novel tongue-mimic chemosensor array for rapid discrimination of multiple metal ions. The three fluorescent probes exhibit different binding affinities toward metal ions, resulting in diverse fluorescence behaviors and distinct fluorescence response patterns. The patterns can act as fingerprints for identification of multiple metal ions via principal component analysis (PCA) technology. The Ce-ATP/Tb-GMP/Eu-BOP sensor array achieved good discrimination of eleven kinds of metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Ag+, Cr6+, Mn7+). It is still sensitive in mixtures of multiple metal ions and would be potentially fit for analysis of complex composition. Interestingly, the sensor array can discriminate metal ions with different valence, for example Cr3+ and Cr6+. With tap water as real sample, the eleven metal ions can be well distinguished with excellent recovery, indicating promising potential application in evaluating water quality and environmental protection.

Automated summary

The study developed a sensor array consisting of three lanthanide-based fluorescent probes for rapid discrimination of multiple metal ions, showing sensitivity to different oxidation states and excellent recovery in real samples.