Copper ion detection using novel silver nanoclusters stabilized with amido black 10B

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are promising fluorescent probes.
• Amido black 10B (AB) is a versatile dye with potential stabilizing properties.
• Accurate detection of copper ions (Cu2+) is crucial for environmental and industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel amido black 10B-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AB-AgNCs).
• To develop a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Cu2+ detection.
• To evaluate the probe's performance in real-world samples, such as electroplating effluents.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgNCs using amido black 10B as a stabilizing agent.
• Characterization of AB-AgNCs' size and fluorescence properties.
• Investigation of the fluorescence quenching mechanism by Cu2+.
• Quantification of Cu2+ based on fluorescence intensity changes.
• Testing the probe's selectivity against various interfering ions.
• Application of the probe to analyze Cu2+ in electroplating wastewater.

Main Results:

• Well-dispersed AB-AgNCs with an average diameter of 1.3 nm were synthesized, exhibiting blue fluorescence.
• Cu2+ efficiently quenched the fluorescence of AB-AgNCs, likely due to coordination and aggregation.
• A linear relationship was observed between fluorescence decrease and Cu2+ concentration in the range of 0.01-1.1 μmol L(-1).
• The limit of detection (LOD) for Cu2+ was determined to be as low as 4.0 nM.
• The AB-AgNC probe demonstrated high selectivity, with minimal interference from 13 common metal ions and 11 anions.
• The probe was successfully applied to detect Cu2+ in electroplating effluents with high accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Amido black 10B is an effective stabilizing agent for synthesizing fluorescent silver nanoclusters.
• The developed AB-AgNCs serve as a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Cu2+ detection.
• This method provides a reliable tool for monitoring Cu2+ in environmental and industrial wastewater samples.