Optical recognition and removal of Hg(II) using a new self-chemosensor based on a modified amino-functionalized Al-MOF

We developed a simple self-chemical optical sensor for the monitoring and removal of ultra-trace levels of Hg(II) from aqueous media. The development of this sensor was based on the covalent attachment of amino-functionalized aluminum-based MOF particles with ninhydrin. The new sensor is densely coated with a chelating ligand to permit an ultra-fast, selective, pH-dependent visualization for removal of Hg(II) with detection limit (LOD similar to 0.494 mu g L-1). Monitoring was accomplished via both a colorimetric signal visible to the naked eye as well as UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Digital image-based colorimetric analysis has also used as a semi-quantitative analysis for determination the concentration of Hg(II) ions as a fast, sensitive and low-cost colorimetric detection system. Further, the new robust sensor exhibited long-term stability and high reusability. The developed sensor was also successfully applied to the determination and removal of Hg(II) from silver oxide button cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.