A highly sensitivity fluorescent probe based on rhodamine for naked-eye detection of Hg2+ in aqueous solution

In this study, we have successfully synthesised a novel fluorescent chemosensor TM using rhodamine as the fluorophore and 8-hydroxyquinoline as recognition group through traditional Schiff base preparation methods. The chemical structure of sensor TM was characterised by H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and ESI-MS. Sensor TM showed obvious fluorescence enhancement response to Hg2+ ion. The detection limit was 0.05 mu M, and the solution colour changed from colourless to pink, making it a promising probe for effective naked-eye detection of Hg2+. The results of Job curve indicated that sensor TM and Hg2+ ion coordinated with each other with a binding stoichiometry of 1:1, and the pH test results showed that sensor TM was only suitable for acidic and neutral conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel fluorescent chemosensor TM was synthesised, which showed promising potential for effective naked-eye detection of Hg2+ ion under acidic and neutral conditions.