[Preparation and fluorescence properties of calix[4]arene nanoparticle]

Novel organic nanoparticles of calix[4]arene (CN) were prepared by the reprecipitation method under sonication and vigorous stirring. The nanoparticles showed an average diameter of 40 nm characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the nanoparticles exhibited better fluorescence compared with that of monomer. In weak acidic medium, the relative fluorescence intensity of these nanoparticles could be quenched remarkably with the addition of appropriate amounts of Fe3+. Based on the obtained results, a novel fluorimetric method has been developed for the rapid determination of Fe3+. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curves was 1.0 x 10(-6) - 2.4 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) and the detection limit was 3.0 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1). The proposed method was applied to determine Fe3+ in water samples with satisfactory recovery and relative standard deviation.