Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ by a Fluorescent and Colorimetric Probe with Large Stokes Shift

• Published in: Journal of fluorescence
• Main Authors: Li, Hongqi, Yan, Jiabao, Jiang, Lin, Zhao, Yong, Song, Yanxi, Yu, Jirui, Cheng, Lang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 03.11.2023
• ISSN: 1053-0509; 1573-4994
• DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03478-8

Development of fluorescent sensors with large Stokes shift for selective detection of heavy metals is of great importance. A novel fluorescent probe with extremely large Stokes shift (212 nm) was synthesized for selective and simultaneous detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ ions. The deep yellow probe turned colorless or pale yellow after addition of Hg2+ or Ag+. The new probe could be utilized for absorption spectral detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ both in ethanol and aqueous solution. Addition of Hg2+ and Ag+ ions caused significant decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the new probe and the selective recognition of Hg2+ and Ag+ was not interfered by common competitive metal ions including Li+, Na+, K+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Cr3+ and Fe3+. The detection limit for Hg2+ and Ag+ was calculated to be 4.68 μM and 4.29 μM, respectively. Application of the new probe for quantitative determination of Hg2+ and Ag+ concentrations in real water samples was accomplished.