One-step hydrothermal synthesis of fluorescent MXene-like titanium Chock for carbonitride quantum dots

MXenes quantum dots (QDs) are a newly emerging family of nano-size transition metal carbides or nitrides or carbonitrides. Rapid development of MXene till now inspires us to explore more interesting MXene QDs for wide chem-/bio-applications. However, it was greatly hindered by the utilization of high concentration HF and tediously long time to etch the MAX phases for the MXene nanosheets precursor production. Herein, MXene-like TiCN QDs was synthesized by a simple and environmental friendly hydrothermal method using TiCN powder as the precursor. The as-prepared TiCN QDs showed good aqueous dispersibility and excellent fluorescence properties. The average lateral and vertical sizes of TiCN QDs were 2.7 +/- 0.2 nm and 3.2 +/- 0.3 nm, respectively. In addition, the TiCN QDs were used in specific and sensitive detection of ferric ion (Fe3+) with broad linear ranges of 2-400 mu M and 500-800 mu M, respectively, as well as lowest limit of detection of 1.0 mu M. The applicability of the as-obtained TiCN QDs was confirmed via their applications in highly specific Fe3+ detection.