Ultrasmall aqueous starch-capped CuS quantum dots with tunable localized surface plasmon resonance and composition...

Ultrasmall starch-capped CuS quantum dots (QDs) with controllable size were chemically fabricated in an aqueous medium. The phase of the CuS QDs was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), whereas the characteristic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak in the near-infrared (NIR) region was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and high bandgap analysis confirmed the formation of ultrasmall CuS QDs in the size range of 4-8 nm. CuS QDs have been used for the selective and sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ ions through colorimetric and spectroscopic techniques. The selective sensing of Hg²⁺ ions from various metal ions was detected via a remarkable change in color, damping in LSPR intensity, significant change in the Fourier-transform infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. The mechanism of interaction between the CuS QDs and Hg²⁺ ions has been deeply explored in terms of the role played by the starch and the reorganization of sulfide and disulfide bonds to facilitate the access of Hg²⁺ ions into the CuS lattice. Finally, an intermediate Cu_2- Hg S nanostructure resulted in the leaching of Cu⁺ ions into the solution, which were further recovered and reused for the formation of fluorescent Cu₂S nanoparticles. Thus, the entire process of synthesis, sensing and reuse paves the way for sustainable nanotechnology.