A multi-channel sensor based on 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate for probing Hg(II) ion

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Mercury ions (Hg2+) pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Development of sensitive and selective sensors for Hg2+ detection is crucial.
• Existing methods for mercury detection can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new sensing molecule, 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate (Fc-Q).
• To develop a multi-channel sensor for the detection of Hg2+ ions.
• To enable facile, sensitive, and on-site analysis of Hg2+ in real-world water samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate (Fc-Q) by combining ferrocene and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties.
• Utilizing colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical techniques for Hg2+ detection.
• Modification of screen-printed carbon electrodes with Fc-Q for practical sensing applications.

Main Results:

• Fc-Q exhibited distinct colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical responses upon complexation with Hg2+.
• Complexation led to a red-shifted absorption peak (Δλ=45 nm) and quenched fluorescence at 303 nm.
• Electrochemical analysis showed a cathodic shift (ΔE(1/2)=-149 mV) enabling quantitative detection of Hg2+ at ppb levels.

Conclusions:

• Fc-Q serves as an effective multi-channel sensor for Hg2+ detection.
• The developed Fc-Q modified electrodes offer a promising platform for sensitive and on-site Hg2+ monitoring.
• This sensing approach has potential for practical application in environmental water analysis.