Multi-component determination based on high quantum yield on-off-on carbon quantum dots sensor

The nitrogen(N)-sulfur(S)-sodium(Na(I)) co-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method, which exhibited a remarkably high fluorescence quantum yield (24.58%) and exceptional optical properties. The fluorescence on-off-on sensor was constructed. The fluorescence of CQDs was rapidly quenched with Fe(III) and the fluorescence recovered by ascorbic acid (Asc) partially and arginine (Arg)/histi-dine (His) completely. The CQDs fluorescence sensor demonstrated rapid response, exceptional sensitivity, excellent stability, remarkable selectivity, and robust anti-interference performance, which was feasible to simultaneously determine the concentrations of multiple analytes in the sample with satisfactory recovery rates. The on-off-on fluorescence mechanism of CQDs was investigated, revealing the significant potential of carbon nano-functionalized materials in the field of drug detection through fluorescence sensing.

Automated summary

In this study, N-S-Na co-doped carbon quantum dots with high fluorescence quantum yield and exceptional optical properties were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method. A fluorescence on-off-on sensor was constructed, which exhibited rapid response, exceptional sensitivity, excellent stability, remarkable selectivity, and robust anti-interference performance. The mechanism of the on-off-on fluorescence of the carbon quantum dots was investigated, demonstrating the significant potential of carbon nano-functionalized materials for drug detection through fluorescence sensing.