Functionalized graphene oxide quantum dot-PVA hydrogel: a colorimetric sensor for Fe²⁺, Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions

Functionalized graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hybrid hydrogels were prepared using a simple, facile and cost-effective strategy. GOQDs bearing different surface functional groups were introduced as the cross-linking agent into the PVA matrix thereby resulting in gelation. The four different types of hybrid hydrogels were prepared using graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, ester functionalized graphene oxide and amine functionalized GOQDs as cross-linking agents. It was observed that the hybrid hydrogel prepared with amine functionalized GOQDs was the most stable. The potential applicability of using this solid sensing platform has been subsequently explored in an easy, simple, effective and sensitive method for optical detection of M(2+) (Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+)) in aqueous media involving colorimetric detection. Amine functionalized GOQDs-PVA hybrid hydrogel when put into the corresponding solution of Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+) renders brown, orange and blue coloration respectively of the solution detecting the presence of Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+) ions in the solution. The minimum detection limit observed was 1 × 10(-7) M using UV-visible spectroscopy. Further, the applicability of the sensing material was also tested for a mixture of co-existing ions in solution to demonstrate the practical applicability of the system. Insight into the probable mechanistic pathway involved in the detection process is also being discussed.