A turn-on fluorescence sensor for Pb2+ detection based on graphene quantum dots and gold nanoparticles

Heavy metal, such as Pb2+, detection technologies are quite important in environment monitoring and human health protection. However, most existing technologies are often time consuming, expensive with sophisticated equipment, and requirement of complicated sample pre-treatment, which limit the useful range of real-time application. Here, we report the development of a turn-on fluorescence sensor for Pb2+ detection based on graphene quantum dots and gold nanoparticles. We achieved an extremely broad detection range of Pb2+ from 50 nM to 4 mu M, with a detection limit of 16.7 nM. This sensing system is highly sensitive and selective for determination of Pb2+. The proposed strategy is expected to provide considerable implication for other heavy metal, antigen, or DNAs by modifying sensing molecules, and fast examination in chemical and biological applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.