Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Probe Based on Functional SBA-15 for Selective Detection of Hg

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mesoporous silica materials like SBA-15 offer a robust platform for developing advanced functional materials.
• Dansylamide derivatives are known for their fluorescent properties, making them suitable for sensing applications.
• Mercury (Hg2+) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant requiring sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize an inorganic-organic hybrid material for selective fluorescence detection of mercury ions.
• To investigate the structural integrity and fluorescence properties of the developed hybrid material.
• To evaluate the potential application of the material in environmental and toxicological analyses.

Main Methods:

• Covalent immobilization of a dansylamide derivative onto SBA-15 using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) linkers.
• Preservation of the hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA-15 confirmed after grafting.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy used to characterize the hybrid material and its response to Hg2+.

Main Results:

• The DA/SBA-15 hybrid material maintained the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA-15.
• The composite exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Hg2+ detection via fluorescence.
• The developed sensor demonstrated potential for real-time qualitative and quantitative Hg2+ analysis.

Conclusions:

• The DA/SBA-15 hybrid fluorescence chemosensor is successfully synthesized.
• The material offers a promising tool for sensitive and selective Hg2+ detection.
• Potential applications in toxicology and environmental science monitoring are highlighted.