Bright blue fluorescent carbon nano-dots for
3+
Fe
sensing
Priya Swetha PD, Manisha H, Mohamad Manzoor AP, Mujeeburahman M, Rekha PD, Prasad KS*
Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575 018
ABSTRACT
The rapid development of industries introduces metal ions into environment, which could be a serious threat to human health. The amount of
metal ions in water bodies increases not only the health hazards to humans but also destroy the marine life. It is imperative to develop suitable costeffective probes for detecting toxic metals. Herein, we report the development of a paper-based assay for Fe3+ by utilizing brightly blue fluorescent
carbon nanodots (CNDs). We have synthesized cheap and environment friendly CNDs through an easy one pot microwave assisted method. The
synthesized CNDs exhibited excellent photochemical properties. Moreover, the as synthesized CNDs found to be effective nanoprobes for the
fluorescence-based detection of Fe3+, which is of environmental concern. We speculate that Fe3+ ions quench the fluorescence of CNDs through
3+
electron or energy transfer assuming that hydroxyl group exhibits good binding affinity for Fe , hence useful in detection. Encouraged by the
emission studies results, we fabricated a paper-strip decorated with CNDs for Fe3+ detection, and found that the paper-strips are useful for detection of
Fe3+ in potable water.
Ground water containing iron
UV-Visible spectra(Abs max at 253.20nm)
Top 5 iron affected states
Emission spectra of CNDs
Fe3+ detection using paper strips under UV torch
References
• RSC Advances. 2016 Mar 11;6(32):26936-40
• RSC Advances. 2016;6(34):28633-9
Quenching by different concentration of Fe3+ • Materials Letters. 2014 Dec 1;136:179-82
Microwave assisted synthesis of CNDs
Quenching by higher concentration of
3+
Fe
Summary
Synthesized fluorescent CNDs are characterized
by spectroscopic studies and used for the Fe3+
sensing application.
Successfully explored the paper analytical
device for the detection of Fe3+ in potable water.
Further
surface
characterization
(TEM,
HRTEM, SEM, EDAX, AFM, XPS), calculation
of quantum yield and detection limit are to be
done in future.