A europium(III)-based nanooptode for bicarbonate sensing - a multicomponent approach to sensor materials

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lanthanide luminescence provides rich chemical information for detecting analytes.
• Responsive lanthanide complexes are typically synthesized through complex procedures.
• Developing simpler methods for creating sensing materials is crucial for broader applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a less elaborate approach for assembling responsive lanthanide nanooptodes.
• To utilize Europium(III) luminescence for sensing bicarbonate concentration.
• To enhance the luminescence signal and modulate the response of the nanooptodes.

Main Methods:

• Assembly of four different nanooptodes using a simplified approach.
• Incorporation of Europium(III) as the luminescent core for bicarbonate sensing.
• Utilizing an antenna chromophore to enhance the luminescence signal.
• Modulating the optode response with lipophilic cations.

Main Results:

• Successfully assembled four distinct nanooptodes with a less elaborate synthesis.
• Demonstrated Europium(III) luminescence for sensing bicarbonate concentration.
• Achieved a 100-fold enhancement in the optode signal using an antenna chromophore.
• Showcased modulation of the sensing response by lipophilic cations.

Conclusions:

• A less elaborate method for constructing lanthanide-based nanooptodes has been established.
• The developed nanooptodes effectively sense bicarbonate concentration with enhanced signal detection.
• The findings suggest potential for simplified, sensitive chemical sensing applications using lanthanide luminescence.