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Highly Sensitive and Selective Spiropyran-Based Sensor for Copper(II) Quantification
Kimberly M Trevino1, Brandon K Tautges1, Rohan Kapre2
1Chemistry Graduate Group, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, California 95616, United States.
ACS Omega
|May 31, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new colorimetric sensor, dimethylamine-functionalized spiropyran (SP1), for detecting copper ions (Cu2+). SP1 enables sensitive and selective copper detection, making it suitable for field applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- Spiropyran molecular switches exhibit metal-binding properties for applications in sensing.
- Sensitive metal detection for field-based assays remains a challenge.
- Copper ion (Cu2+) detection is crucial for environmental and industrial monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a colorimetric sensor for sensitive and selective copper ion detection.
- To investigate the metal-sensing capabilities of dimethylamine-functionalized spiropyran (SP1).
- To assess the viability of SP1 for field-based trace copper analysis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of dimethylamine-functionalized spiropyran (SP1).
- Investigation of metal-sensing properties using UV-vis spectrophotometry.
- Evaluation of selectivity against various biologically and environmentally relevant metal ions.
Main Results:
- SP1 exhibits a visible color change upon complexation with Cu2+ at low micromolar concentrations (≈6 μM).
- The limit of detection for Cu2+ using UV-vis spectrometry was determined to be 0.11 μM.
- SP1 demonstrated high selectivity for Cu2+ over other common metal ions, with a linear response in the 0-20 μM range.
Conclusions:
- SP1 serves as an effective colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ detection.
- The sensor's sensitivity and selectivity make it promising for field testing of trace copper.
- This development addresses the need for accessible and sensitive metal detection methods.
