Direct fluorescence quantification of chromium(VI) in wastewater with organic nanoparticles sensor

Under ultrasonic irradiation, organic fluorescence nanoparticles have been prepared by a reprecipitation method. Compared with single organic fluorophores, these nanoparticles are brighter, more stable against photobleaching and more water-soluble. They also have high room-temperature fluorescence quantum yields (approximately 20%) and a long fluorescence lifetime (approximately 0.2 micros). Based on the fluorescence quenching of nanoparticles by chromium(VI), a method for the selective determination of chromium(VI) without the separation of chromium(III) in water was developed. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve was 7.0 x 10(-6) - 1.0 x 10(-4) mol L(-1). The detection limit was 2.8 x 10(-6) mol L(-1). The method is characterized by a short reaction time, stable fluorescence signals, simplicity and high selectivity. The present assay has been applied to the selective quantification of Cr(VI) in wastewater with satisfactory results.