A novel dichromate-sensitive fluorescent nano-chemosensor using new functionalized SBA-15

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Development of sensitive and selective chemosensors is crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Fluorescent materials offer potential for real-time detection of toxic anions.
• Mesoporous silica materials like SBA-15 provide a versatile platform for sensor fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for the detection of dichromate anions (Cr(2)O(7)(2-)).
• To investigate the sensing properties of a fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline (AlQ(x)) assembled within modified SBA-15.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits in aqueous solutions.

Main Methods:

• Assembly of fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline (AlQ(x)) within the channels of modified SBA-15 (SBA-SPS-AlQ(x)).
• Characterization of the synthesized nano-material and its fluorescence properties.
• Testing the fluorescence response of SBA-SPS-AlQ(x) to dichromate anions and potential interfering ions in aqueous solutions.

Main Results:

• SBA-SPS-AlQ(x) exhibits fluorescence emission at 486 nm.
• Remarkable fluorescence quenching of SBA-SPS-AlQ(x) was observed in the presence of dichromate anions.
• The nano-chemosensor demonstrated a linear detecting range of 0.16-2.9 μmol L(-1) for dichromate anions.
• The lowest limit of detection (LDL) was found to be 0.2 ng mL(-1) in aqueous solutions.
• SBA-SPS-AlQ(x) showed selective and sensitive fluorescent quenching response toward dichromate ions compared to other common anions.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorescent nano-material (SBA-SPS-AlQ(x)) is a useful chemo-sensor for the determination of dichromate anions in aqueous solutions.
• The sensor's selectivity is attributed to the higher stability of its inorganic complex with dichromate ions.
• This nano-chemosensor offers a promising approach for sensitive and selective environmental monitoring of dichromate contamination.