Development of a green metallochromic indicator for selective and visual detection of copper(II) ions

Heavy metal ions, i.e., copper(II) (Cu(II)), are harmful to the environment and our health. The current research established an eco-friendly and efficient metal-sensitive indicator, which can identify Cu(II) ions in both liquid and solid forms, by utilizing anthocyanin extract obtained from jambolao fruit (Syzgium cumini) that is incorporated within bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF).The CIE Lab color parameters demonstrated that Cu(II) binding causes a sensible change in color. It was observed that the visible color altered with an increase in the Cu(II) concentration. The bacterial cellulose nanofibers that were altered with anthocyanin were analyzed using ATR-FTIR and FESEM. The sensor's selectivity was tested by using a range of metal ions such as lead (Pb2+), cobalt (Co2+), cadmium (Cd2+), nickel (Ni2+), aluminium (Al3+), barium (Ba2+), manganese (Mn2+), zinc (Zn2+), mercury (Hg2+) and sodium (Na+). The findings demonstrated that the suggested sensor showed excellent selectivity toward Cu(II) ion. Cu(II) can be accurately identified using the sensing technique, with detection limits ranging from 10-400 ppm and 50-500 ppm for liquid and solid samples, respectively, and through observation with naked eye. The fabricated green metallochromic sensor is promising to be a simple, cheap, mobile and easily operable for the real-time and on-site detection of Cu(II) ion.

Automated summary

By using anthocyanin extract obtained from jambolao fruit and incorporating it within bacterial cellulose nanofibers, an eco-friendly and efficient metal-sensitive indicator for identifying copper(II) ions in both liquid and solid forms was established. The indicator showed a significant color change when bound with Cu(II), and exhibited excellent selectivity for Cu(II) ions. With detection limits ranging from 10-400 ppm for liquid samples and 50-500 ppm for solid samples, the sensor can accurately identify Cu(II) ion through naked eye observation, making it a promising tool for real-time and on-site detection of Cu(II) ion.