Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots:A Novel Fluorescent Probe for Non-Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide and Mercury Detection

The mercury species in the ocean(MeHg,Hg^(2+))will be enriched in marine organisms and threaten human health through the food chain.While the excessive H_(2)O_(2)in the metabolic process will produce hydroxyl radicals and accelerate the aging of human cells,causing a series of diseases.Hence,the cost-effective and rapid detection of mercury and H_(2)O_(2)is of urgent requirement and significance.Here,we synthesized emerging graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots(g-CNQDs)with high fluorescence quantum yield(FLQY)of 42.69%via a bottom-up strategy by a facile one-step hydrothermal method.The g-CNQDs can detect the H_(2)O_(2)and Hg^(2+)through the fluorescence quenching effect between g-CNQDs and detected substances.With the presence of KI,g-CNQDs show concentration-dependent fluorescence toward H_(2)O_(2),with a wide detection range of 1–1000μmolL^(-1)and a low detection limit of 0.23μmolL^(-1).The g-CNQDs also show sensitivity toward Hg^(2+)with a detection range of 0–0.1μmolL^(-1)and a detection limit of 0.038μmolL^(-1).This dual-function detection of g-CNQDs has better practical application capability compared to other quantum dot detection.This study may provide a new strategy for g-CNQDs preparation and construct a fluorescence probe that can be used in various systems involving H_(2)O_(2)and Hg^(2+),providing better support for future bifunctional or multifunction studies.

High sensitivity detection of baicalein by N,S co⁃doped carbon dots and their application in biofluids

In this work,p⁃phenylenediamine and L⁃cysteine were used as raw materials,and water⁃soluble N,S co⁃doped carbon dots(N,S⁃CDs)with excellent performance were prepared through a one⁃step solvothermal method.The morphology and structure of N,S⁃CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscope,X⁃ray diffrac⁃tion,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and X⁃ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and the basic photophysical properties were investigated via UV⁃Vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra.Meanwhile,the N,S⁃CDs have excellent luminescence stability with pH,ionic strength,radiation time,and storage time.Experimental results illus⁃trated the present sensor platform exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity in response to baicalein with a detection limit of 85 nmol·L-1.The quenching mechanism is proved to be the inner filter effect.In addition,this sensor can also detect baicalein in biofluids(serum and urine)with good accuracy and reproducibility.

Synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots from lemon and onion juices for determination of riboflavin in multivitamin/mineral supplements

In this work, lemon and onion biomasses commonly found in street markets are for the first time used to develop a facile, fast and low-cost one-step microwave-assisted carbonization method for synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). The structure and optical properties of CDs were investigated by TEM, XRD, XRF, UV-Vis, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. CDs displayed satisfactory optical pro-prieties, a high quantum yield of 23.6%, and excellent water solubility, and the particle size was 4.23-8.22 nm with an average diameter of 6.15 nm. An efficient fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the CDs and riboflavin was achieved with CDs acting as donor and riboflavin as acceptor. A linear relationship between FRET and the riboflavin concentration from 0.10 to 3.0 μg/mL was observed, allowing the development of an accurate and fast analytical method to determine this vitamin in multivitamin/mineral supplements. Despite the potential interferences in these supplements, CDs were selective for riboflavin under optimized conditions. A paired t-test at a 95% confidence level indicated no statistically significant difference between the proposed and the reference methods. Recovery test presented values ranged from 96.0% to 101.4%. The limit of detection and relative standard deviation were estimated at 1.0 ng/mL and <2.6% (n = 3), respectively. CDs were successfully synthesized in a domestic microwave oven (1450 W, 6 min), presenting satisfactory parameters when compared with results of other studies reported in the literature, suggesting that the proposed method is a potentially useful method for the synthesis of CDs and determination of riboflavin.

Facile and Scalable Preparation of Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Multifunctional Applications

The synthesis of fluorescent nanomaterials has received considerable attention due to the great potential of these materials for a wide range of applications, from chemical sensing through bioimaging to optoelectron- ics. Herein, we report a facile and scalable approach to prepare fluorescent carbon dots （FCDs） via a one-pot reaction of citric acid with ethylenediamine at 150 ℃ under ambient air pressure. The resultant FCDs pos- sess an optical bandgap of 3.4 eV and exhibit strong excitation-wavelength-independent blue emission （λEm = 450 nm） under either one- or two-photon excitation. Owing to their low cytotoxicity and long fluorescence lifetime, these FCDs were successfully used as internalized fluorescent probes in human cancer cell lines （HeLa cells） for two-photon excited imaging of cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy with a high-contrast resolution. They were also homogenously mixed with commercial inks and used to draw fluo- rescent patterns on normal papers and on many other substrates （e.g., certain flexible plastic films, textiles, and clothes）. Thus, these nanomaterials are promising for use in solid-state fluorescent sensing, security labeling, and wearable optoelectronics.

Fabrication, characterization and response surface method optimization for quantum efficiency of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots obtained from carboxymethylcellulose of oil palms empty fruit bunch

Bio based nitrogen doped carbon dots(N-CDs)were obtained from empty fruit bunch carboxymethylcellulose and ethylenediamine(EDA)through one-pot hydrothermal carbonization route.The optimum as-formed NCDs were thoroughly characterized via Transmission electron microscopy(TEM),high-resolution TEM(HRTEM),Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray photoelectron spectra(XPS),UV–vis spectra(UV–Vis)and Fluorescence spectra(PL).Response surface methodology was statistically used to assess three independent variables that have major influence on the fluorescence quantum yield(QY),including temperature(230–270℃),time(2–6 h)and EDA mass(10%–23.3%).Based on analysis of variance(ANOVA)results,synthesis temperature was found to be the most influential factor on the QY,followed by time and EDA mass.Higher temperature,long synthesis time and high amount of EDA were satisfactorily enough for efficient carbonization conversion rate and obtaining highest QY of N-CDs.The obtained quadratic model(R^2=0.9991)shows a good correlation between the experimental data and predicted values.The optimum synthetic parameters are of 270℃temperature,6 h reaction time and 23.3%of EDA mass.The optimized as-made N-CDs exhibited blue photoluminescence with both excitation dependent/independent phenomena and high nitrogen content.The maximum emission intensity was 426 nm at a maximum excitation wavelength of 320 nm,with a QY of up to 22.9%.XPS and FTIR data confirmed the existence of polar containing groups,such as carbonyl,carboxyl,hydroxyl and amino groups over the surface of N-CDs whereas nitrogen species in the form of(pyridinic and graphitic-N)were introduced in the aromatic carbon domains,which imparts the hydrophilic and photostability of N-CDs.Taking into account the low-cost and sustainable production of N-CDs,this method considered a feasible route for converting low quality waste into value-added nanomaterials and utilizing for different functionalization processes and analytical applications.

Narrow-bandwidth emissive carbon dots:A rising star in the fluorescent material family

Fluorescent carbon dots(CDs)have recently become a research hotspot in multidisciplinary fields owing to their distinctive advantages,including outstanding photoluminescence properties,high biocompatibility,low toxicity,and abundant raw materials.Among the promising CDs,narrow‐bandwidth emissive CDs with high color purity have emerged as a rising star in recent years because of their significant potential applications in bioimaging,information sensing,and photoelectric displays.In this review,the state-of-the-art advances of narrow-bandwidth emissive CDs are systematically summarized,and the factors influencing the emission bandwidth,preparation methods,and applications of narrow-bandwidth emissive CDs are described in detail.Besides,existing challenges and future perspectives for achieving high-performance narrow-bandwidth emissive CDs are also discussed.This overview paper is expected to generate more interest and promote the rapid development of this significant research area.

Preparation of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Dots from Coke Powder as a Fluorescent Chemosensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cr (Ⅵ)

The nitrogen-doped carbon dots(N-CDs)were prepared by using coke powder as carbon source and one-step hydrothermal method.The N-CDs were studied as a fluorescent chemosensor for determining Cr(Ⅵ)in water.The selective,sensitive,reproducibility and stability of as-prepared N-CDs were investigated.The morphology,composition and properties of N-CDs were characterized by a series of methods.The fluorescence quenching of N-CDs by Cr(Ⅵ)was explored.The experimental results reveal that the obtained N-CDs have great hydrophilicity and strong luminescence properties,which demonstrates the successful doping of nitrogen into the CDs.The surface-active groups and emission wavelength range of CDs increase due to the electronegativity and electron donor effect of doping N atom.Furthermore,the N-CDs exhibit good photochemical properties for the detection of Cr(Ⅵ),including a wide linear range from 0.3 to 200μM(R^(2)=0.9935)and a low detection limit of 0.10μM at the signal-to-noise ratio of 3(S/N=3).Moreover,the N-CDs as a sensor was used successfully for Cr(Ⅵ)detection in real water samples with recovery rates of 99.9%-110.6%.This sensor also shows highly reproducibility and stability.The N-CDs fluorescent chemical sensor may be a potential candidate for applying in the field of other fluorescent chemical sensing,catalysis,photoelectric devices and other fields.

A recent update on development,synthesis methods,properties and application of natural products derived carbon dots

Natural resources are practically infinitely abundant in nature,which stimulates scientists to create new materials with inventive uses and minimal environmental impact.Due to the various benefits of natural carbon dots(NCDs)from them has received a lot of attention recently.Natural products-derived carbon dots have recently emerged as a highly promising class of nanomaterials,showcasing exceptional properties and eco-friendly nature,which make them appealing for diverse applications in various fields such as biomedical,environmental sensing and monitoring,energy storage and conversion,optoelectronics and photonics,agriculture,quantum computing,nanomedicine and cancer therapy.Characterization techniques such as Photoinduced electron transfer,Aggregation-Induced-Emission(AIE),Absorbance,Fluorescence in UV-Vis and NIR Regions play crucial roles in understanding the structural and optical properties of Carbon dots(CDs).The exceptional photoluminescence properties exhibited by CDs derived from natural products have paved the way for applications in tissue engineering,cancer treatment,bioimaging,sensing,drug delivery,photocatalysis,and promising remarkable advancements in these fields.In this review,we summarized the various synthesis methods,physical and optical properties,applications,challenges,future prospects of natural products-derived carbon dots etc.In this expanding sector,the difficulties and prospects for NCD-based materials research will also be explored.

In Situ Synthesis of Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica–Carbon Dot Nanohybrids Featuring Folate Receptor-Overexpressing Cancer Cell Targeting and Drug Delivery

Multifunctional nanocarrier-based theranostics is supposed to overcome some key problems in cancer treatment.In this work,a novel method for the preparation of a fluorescent mesoporous silica–carbon dot nanohybrid was developed.Carbon dots(CDs),from folic acid as the raw material,were prepared in situ and anchored on the surface of amino-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs–NH2) via a microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction.The as-prepared nanohybrid(designated MSNs–CDs) not only exhibited strong and stable yellow emission but also preserved the unique features of MSNs(e.g.,mesoporous structure,large specific surface area,and good biocompatibility),demonstrating a potential capability for fluorescence imagingguided drug delivery.More interestingly,the MSNs–CDs nanohybrid was able to selectively target folate receptor-overexpressing cancer cells(e.g.,HeLa),indicating that folic acid still retained its function even after undergoing the solvothermal reaction.Benefited by these excellent properties,the fluorescent MSNs–CDs nanohybrid can be employed as a fluorescence-guided nanocarrier for the targeted deliveryof anticancer drugs(e.g.,doxorubicin),thereby enhancing chemotherapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.Our studies may provide a facile strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional MSN-based theranostic platforms,which is beneficial in the diagnosis and therapy of cancers in future.

Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of 6-Mercaptopurine Based on the Nanohybrid of Fluorescence Carbon Dots and Gold Nanoclusters

The development of a simple and accurate quantitative method for the determination of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is of great importance because of its serious side effects. Ratiometric fluorescence (RF) sensors are not subject to interference from environmental factors, and exhibit enhanced precision and accuracy. Therefore, a novel RF sensor for the selective detection of 6-MP was developed. The present work reports a sensitive and selective RF sensor for the detection of 6-mercaptopurine, by hybridizing carbon nanodots (CDots) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) capped with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The CDots serve as the reference signal and the AuNCs as the reporter. On addition of the 6-MP, AuNCs formed aggregates, because the existing cross-links within the AuNCs and BSA structure were broken in favour of the Au-S bonds, which can enhance the fluorescence of AuNCs, while the fluorescence of CDots is stable against 6-MP, leading to distinct ratiometric fluorescence changes when exposed to 6-MP. 6-MP could be detected in the range of 0 - 30.22 μM with a detection limit of 54 nM. The developed sensor was applied for the determination of 6-MP in human serum samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

Fluorescence Detection for H_2PO_4^- based on Carbon Dots/Fe^(3＋) Composite

A novel fluorescent probe for H_2PO_4^- was designed and fabricated based on the carbon dots/Fe^（3＋） composite. The carbon dots were synthesized by an established one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, UV-Vis absorption spectrometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The carbon dots/Fe^（3＋） composite was obtained by aqueous mixing of carbon dots and FeCl_3, and its fluorescence property was characterized by fluorescence spectrophotometer. The fluorescence of carbon dots was quenched by aqueous Fe^（3＋） cations, resulting in the low fluorescence intensity of the carbon dots/Fe^（3＋） composite. On the other hand, H_2PO_4^- reduced the concentration of Fe^（3＋） by chemical reaction and enhanced the fluorescence of the carbon dots/Fe^（3＋） composite. The Stern-Volmer equation was introduced to describe the relation between the relative fluorescence intensity of the carbon dots/Fe^（3＋） composite and the concentration of H_2PO_4^-, and a fine linearity（R2=0.997） was found in the range of H_2PO_4^- concentration of 0.4-12 m M.

Ratiometric fluorescence probe for accurate detection of Concanavalin A by coupling fluorescent microsphere with boric acid functionalized carbon dots

Accurate and sensitive strategies for Concanavalin A(Con A)sensing are conducive to the better cognition of various important biological and physiological processes.Here,by designing dextran-functionalized fluorescent microspheres(DxFMs)and boric acid-modified carbon dots(BCDs)as recognition unit and built-in signal reference respectively,a ratiometric fluorescent detection platform was proposed for Con A detection with high reliability.In this protocol,the BCDs/DxFMs precipitation was formed due to the covalent interactions between cis-diol of DxFMs and boronic acid groups of BCDs,thus only fluorescence of BCDs could be detected in the supernatant.When Con A was presented,it could bind to DxFMs through its carbohydrate recognition ability and suppress the subsequent assembly between DxFMs and BCDs,leading to the simultaneous capture of DxFMs and BCDs fluorescence in the supernatant.Since the BCDs content was superfluous,their fluorescence intensities were basically constant in all cases.Based on the unchanged BCDs fluorescence signal and target-dependent DxFMs fluorescence signal in supernatant,the ratiometric detection of Con A was realized.Under optimized conditions,this ratiometric fluorescent platform displayed a linear detection range from 0.125μg/mL to 12.5μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.089μg/mL.Moreover,satisfied analytical outcomes for Con A detection in serum samples were obtained,manifesting huge application potential of this ratiometric fluorescent platform in clinical diagnosis.

Photo-induced Ag modulating carbon dots:Greatly improved fluorescent properties and derived sensing application

Carbon dots(CDs)have been attracted much attention and widely studied due to their excellent fluorescence(FL)properties,better biocompatibility and outstanding photo/chemical stability.However,the disadvantage of lower quantum yield(QY)still limits its wide application.Herein,we reported a novel and convenient strategy to prepare photo-induced Ag/CDs(p-Ag/CDs)by irradiating the mixed Ag+and hydrophobic CDs(h-CDs)acetone solution with ultraviolet(UV)light.The obtained p-Ag/CDs exhibit a greatly enhanced FL emission together with a blue shift(460 nm)than h-CDs(520 nm).The QY of p-Ag/CDs is measured to be 51.1%,which is 10.4 times higher than that of h-CDs(4.9%),indicating that photo-induced Ag modulation can effectively improve the optical properties of CDs.The mechanisms for the FL enhancement and blue shift of h-CDs are studied in detail.The results prove that the greatly enhanced FL emission is from the generated Ag nanoparticles(AgNPs)by UV light irradiation based on metal-enhanced fluorescence(MEF),and the increased oxygen-contained groups in this process lead to the blue shift in CDs fluorescence.Interestingly,the p-Ag/CDs exhibit higher sensitivity and selectivity for sulfide ions(S2-)detection than that of h-CDs,which have a lower response to S2-.This work not only offers a novel strategy to improve the FL properties of materials but also endows them with new functions and broadens their application fields.

Preparation of a Novel Green Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots and Application in Fe^(3+)-Specific Detection in Biological System

Trace ferric ion(Fe^(3+))detection has attracted increasing attention as an essential and indispensable role in many physiological and pathological research.The green-emitting carbon quantum dots(Green-CQDs)were obtained through a green and facile one-step hydrothermal method for the specific recognition and trace detection of Fe^(3+)in this paper.The optimal excitation and emission wavelengths of the CQDs were 395 nm and 490 nm,respectively.The stokes shift was up to 95 nm,which can effectively reduce the background fluorescence interference.In addition,it also exhibited good water solubility,stability,and high biocompatibility.The fluorescence intensity of Green-CQDs was linearly related to the concentration of Fe^(3+)(range of 0-80μmol/L),and the detection limit was as low as 59 nmol/L.These good properties were favorable and successful for Fe^(3+)detection in tap water,human serum samples and living cells.In addition,a fluorescence visual test paper(FP@CQDs)was prepared utilizing filter paper as carrier,which can quickly identify Fe^(3+)in real time,and is suitable for the visualization analysis of Fe^(3+)in environment.As an efficient nanoprobe,the Green-CQDs held great promise and bright prospects in practical application in prevention and early clinical diagnosis of Fe^(3+)-associated diseases.

Preparation of multicolor carbon dots with thermally turn-on fluorescence for multidimensional information encryption

Carbon dots(CDs)with superior fluorescence properties have attracted a growing number of research interests in anti-counterfeiting.However,the preparation of CDs with thermally turn-on fluorescence and full-color-emitting in visible spectrum is still a big challenge due to the complicated reaction mechanism in the formation of CDs.Here,a simple precursor-oriented strategy for the preparation of multicolor CDs with heat-stimuli turn-on fluorescence is reported.Comprehensive experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations revealed that the emission wavelength of CDs can be readily tuned from 460 nm to 654 nm with selected precursors,which was ascribed to the extent of conjugated sp2-domains(core states)and the amount of oxygen-and nitrogen-containing groups bound to sp2-domains(surface states).After simply mixing two or three kinds of CDs,a full-color range of fluorescence emission was realized,and the CDs-based fluorescence inks were successfully fabricated.Particularly,all the printed patterns from the inkjet exhibited a thermal-induced enhancement in fluorescence.On this basis,combining CDs with heating-induced“turn-off”fluorescence materials can lead to multidimensional and multistage encryption.These results demonstrate that the thermochromic and photochromic CDs with much more enhanced security exhibit promising application in data storage and encryption.

Development of nitrogen and sulfur-doped carbon dots for cellular imaging

Heteroatom-doped carbon dots(CDs) have attracted extensive interest because of their improved electronic and fluorescence properties with heteroatom doping. In this study, a new synthetic method for nitrogen(N) and sulfur(S)-doped CDs was developed via a hydrothermal method using methionine and citric acid as raw materials. The as-prepared CDs exhibit excellent optical properties and good biocompatibility. The spherical N,S-doped CDs have an average diameter of 5 nm. They consist of C, O, N and S, and take on excellent water solubility due to the hydroxyl and carboxyl, amino groups on the surface.The CDs have a photoluminescence quantum yield of 13.8% using quinine sulfate as a reference; the average fluorescence lifetime of the CDs was 3.67 ns. The CDs solution present good photoluminescence properties, and the maximum excitation wavelength and emission wavelength locate at 330 nm and405 nm, respectively. In addition, their fluorescence intensity almost does not change under the conditions of acid, alkali, and high salt, which indicated their anti-photobleaching property and good light stability. Based on the good biocompatibility and strong fluorescence emission of the CDs, they can be used as fluorescent imaging reagents.

Green and Near-Infrared Dual-Mode Afterglow of Carbon Dots and Their Applications for Confidential Information Readout

Near-infrared(NIR),particularly NIR-containing dual-/multimode afterglow,is very attractive in many fields of application,but it is still a great challenge to achieve such property of materials. Herein,we report a facile method to prepare green and NIR dual-mode afterglow of carbon dots(CDs) through in situ embedding o-CDs(being prepared from o-phenylenediamine) into cyanuric acid(CA) matrix(named o-CDs@CA). Further studies reveal that the green and NIR afterglows of o-CDs@CA originate from thermal activated delayed fluorescence(TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence(RTP) of o-CDs,respectively. In addition,the formation of covalent bonds between o-CDs and CA,and the presence of multiple fixation and rigid e ects to the triplet states of o-CDs are confirmed to be critical for activating the observed dual-mode afterglow. Due to the shorter lifetime and insensitiveness to human vision of the NIR RTP of o-CDs@CA,it is completely covered by the green TADF during directly observing. The NIR RTP signal,however,can be readily captured if an optical filter(cut-o wavelength of 600 nm) being used. By utilizing these unique features,the applications of o-CDs@CA in anti-counterfeiting and information encryption have been demonstrated with great confidentiality. Finally,the as-developed method was confirmed to be applicable to many other kinds of CDs for achieving or enhancing their afterglow performances.

Review of Carbon Dots from Lignin: Preparing, Tuning, and Applying

Carbon dots(CDs),emerging carbon materials with unique physical and chemical properties,have drawn extensive attention from researchers.In recent years,many carbon sources have been used as precursors for preparing CDs.In contrast to other types of precursors,lignin,as a renewable and available source of natural aromatic biopolymers,is believed to be a low-cost precursor for the large-scale preparation of CDs.However,the preparation of CDs with excellent optical properties from lignin has some drawbacks because of the complex structure of lignin.Hence,the methods for preparing the CDs from lignin are summarized in this paper,and the mechanism and physical and chemical properties of lignin-based CDs are discussed.Moreover,some approaches to tuning the optical properties of lignin-based CDs have been proposed.Additionally,the use of lignin-based CDs in the fields of sensing,supercapacitor,bioimaging,anti-counterfeiting,and information encryption is reviewed.

Sensitive measurement of silver ions in environmental water samples integrating magnetic ion-imprinted solid phase extraction and carbon dot fluorescent sensor

Increasing use of silver in various fields has caused Ag^(+)pollution in water environment,taking great threats to people’s health.As a consequence,establishing rapid and reliable methods for sensitive determination of Ag^(+)is of great significance.Fluorescent(FL)sensors based on carbon dots(CDs),an excellent carbonaceous nanomaterial with strong and stable fluorescence,have absorbed extensive attentions in analysis of pollutants due to its advantages of carbon sources being readily available,low cost,easy operation and fast response.Moreover,ion-imprinting is a better way to increase the selectivity of the proposed method.Present work described an effective method for the sensitive measurement of silver ion in water samples in combination with magnetic ion-imprinted solid phase extraction and CDs based fluorescent sensor,which took full advantages of easy separation and high enrichment of magnetic solid phase extraction,high selectivity of ion-imprinting technology,and sensitivity and rapid response of fluorescent sensor from CDs.Sulfur-doped CDs derived from dithizone and magnetic ion-imprinted nanomaterial were prepared,and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope,etc.Magnetic Ag^(+)imprinted nanomaterial based solid phase extraction was employed for separating and enriching Ag^(+)from water samples.The significant parameters were optimized in detail.Under the optimal conditions,the proposed method provided good linearity in the range of 0.01-0.4μmol/L and low detection limit of 3 nmol/L.The reliability of the proposed method was validated with real water samples,and the results demonstrated that the proposed method was simple,robust,selective and sensitive detection tool for Ag^(+)in real water samples.

Carbon Dots as“On–Off–On”Fluorescence Sensors for Selective and Consecutive Detection of 4-Nitrophenol and Cerium(IV)in Water Samples

An“on–off–on”fluorescence sensor was designed for rapidly and consecutively detecting 4-nitrophenol and cerium(IV)without the use of any labeling materials.The yellow carbon dots were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal approach,and various techniques were applied to investigate the morphology,structure,and optical properties of the carbon dots.Under the optimal experimental conditions,4-nitrophenol rapidly quenched the fluorescence of carbon dots as a result of the inner filter eff ect(IFE).The fluorescence intensity of carbon dots was linear with the concentration of 4-nitrophenol(1–150μmol/L)and the limit of detection was 0.32μmol/L.The fluorescence was gradually recovered as the cerium(IV)concentration(0.5–100μmol/L)increased in CDs/4-NP,and the limit of detection was 0.16μmol/L.The sensor showed good selectivity and demonstrated high accuracy for the analysis of 4-nitrophenol and cerium(IV)in actual water samples.