Detection of Lead Ion Based on Aggregation-induced Emission of Copper Nanoclusters

A turn-on fluorescence analysis method was established for detection of based on aggregation-induced emission. Glutathione-protected non-noble metal copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs@GSH) showed nearly no fluorescence. However, the fluorescence intensity of Cu NCs@GSH was remarkably improved in the presence of Pb2+ and showed bright orange fluorescence. A fluorescence method for detection of Pb2+ was established based on this principle. The fluorescence change of the Cu NCs@GSH solution showed a linear relationship with Pb2+ concentration within the range of 200-700 mu M. The limit of detection was 106 mu M (S/N = 3). This method is simple, rapid and highly selective, and can be used for the visual qualitative detection of Pb2+ under ultraviolet (UV) lamp.