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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging
Published on: October 9, 2012
A highly selective and simple fluorescent sensor for mercury (II) ion detection based on cysteamine-capped CdTe
Xiaojie Ding1, Lingbo Qu, Ran Yang
1The College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cysteamine (CA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) (CA-CdTe QDs) were prepared by the reflux method and utilized as an efficient nano-sized fluorescent sensor to detect mercury (II) ions (Hg(2+) ). Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence quenching effect of CA-CdTe QDs was linear at Hg(2+) concentrations in the range of 6.0-450 nmol/L. The detection limit was calculated to be 4.0 nmol/L according to the 3σ IUPAC criteria. The influence of 10-fold Pb(2+) , Cu(2+) and Ag(+) on the determination of Hg(2+) was < 7% (superior to other reports based on crude QDs). Furthermore, the detection sensitivity and selectivity were much improved relative to a sensor based on the CA-CdTe QDs probe, which was prepared using a one-pot synthetic method. This CA-CdTe QDs sensor system represents a new feasibility to improve the detection performance of a QDs sensor by changing the synthesis method.
