Determination of bromate via the chemiluminescence generated in the sulfite and carbon quantum dot system

The authors describe a chemiluminescence (CL)-based assay for the determination of bromate. The method is based on the use of a solution of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and sulfite. Strong CL (peak at 490 nm) is observed when bromate is injected into the solution. The CL increases linearly in the 0.3 to 10 mu mol L-1 bromate concentration range, giving a 0.1 mu mol L-1 limit of detection (at an S/N ratio of 3). A possible CL mechanism is suggested that involves a redox reaction between the CQDs, bromate and sulfite in the acidic medium. This leads to the formation of hole-injected and electron-injected CQDs. Radiative recombination of oxidant-injected holes and electrons in the CQDs accounts for the occurrence of CL. This mechanism contradicts the previous assumption that the transfer of energy occurs from SO2* to the CQDs. Although nitrite may interfere in the determination of bromate, its effect can be eliminated by adding sulfamic acid. The assay is sensitive and represents a new tool for the determination of bromate, which is a carcinogen.