A ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode sensing platform based on sulfur quantum dots and carbon quantum dots for selective detection of Cu2+

A new dual-mode ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric probe for selective determination of Cu2+ was developed based on blue-emission sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) and yellow-emission carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The fluorescence and absorbance of CQDs increased in the presence of Cu2+ due to the Cu2+-oxidized o-phenylenediamine group on the surface of the CQDs. Because of the inner filter effect between SQDs and CQDs-Cu2+, the fluorescence response of SQDs decreased following the introduction of Cu2+. Furthermore, in the presence of Cu2+, the dual-mode SQD-CQD probe showed visible color changes under both ultraviolet light and sunlight. Under optimal conditions, the dual-mode probe was used to quantitatively detect Cu2+ with a linear range of 0.1-5.0 mu M for ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetry, with a limit of detection of about 31 nM and 47 nM, respectively. Finally, the dual-mode probe was used for the determination of Cu2+ in practical samples to expand the practical application, and the difference between ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric methods was compared. The recovery results confirmed the high accuracy of the dual-mode probe, showing that it has immense potential for sensitive and selective detection of Cu2+ in practical samples.

Automated summary

A new dual-mode ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric probe has been developed for selective determination of Cu2+. The probe shows high accuracy and sensitivity, and has immense potential for practical applications.