Non-toxic carbon dots fluorescence sensor based on chitosan for sensitive and selective detection of Cr (VI) in water

A novel fluorescence carbon dots (CS-CDs) were prepared via a one-step hydrothermal approach using chitosan and urea as precursors. CS-CDs exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity of fluorescence response to Cr (VI) in a wide range with a detection limit of 0.59 mu M. More interestingly, CS-CDs-based fluorescent hydrogel sensors were further developed for quantitative detection of Cr (VI) in water. The fluorescence signals of the composite were recorded by a smartphone and converted to grayscale parameters linearly related to concentration of Cr (VI) by Image J software. This composite showed a broad linear range of 10-300 mu M and a low detection limit of 2.83 mu M. All results demonstrate the great potential for the portable, low-cost and green detection of Cr (VI) in practical application.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel fluorescence carbon dots was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal approach, which exhibited good fluorescence response to Cr (VI) and could be used for quantitative detection of Cr (VI) in water. The results showed that this fluorescence carbon dots had a broad linear range and a low detection limit, indicating its great potential for portable, low-cost, and green detection of Cr (VI) in practical application.