Inorganic phosphate regulated high luminescence NaYF

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Iron ion concentration is a critical indicator for early detection of equipment corrosion in industrial circulating cooling water systems.
• Developing sensitive and selective probes for trace iron detection is crucial for effective corrosion control and equipment maintenance.
• Inorganic phosphate water treatment agents offer potential for functionalizing nanomaterials for environmental sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct an upconversion luminescence iron ion nanoprobe using sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) for sensitive Fe(III) detection.
• To investigate the role of SHMP in regulating the morphology and luminescence properties of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanoprobes (UCNPs).
• To apply the developed UCNP-based probe for fluorometric detection of trace Fe(III) in industrial circulating cooling water.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion luminescent nanoprobes (UCNPs).
• Functionalization of UCNPs with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) to create a Fe(III)-sensitive probe.
• Fluorometric detection of Fe(III) based on fluorescence quenching mechanism due to selective coordination with SHMP on UCNP surface.
• Optimization of UCNP structure and luminescence by using different inorganic phosphates like disodium hydrogen phosphate (ADSP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP).

Main Results:

• SHMP-functionalized UCNPs exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe(III) detection.
• The linear detection range for Fe(III) was determined to be 1.0-50 μM, with a detection limit of 0.2 μM.
• The developed method demonstrated satisfactory performance for detecting trace Fe(III) in real industrial circulating cooling water samples.
• The structure, morphology, and luminous intensity of UCNPs were effectively regulated by different inorganic phosphates.

Conclusions:

• SHMP-modified UCNPs serve as an effective nanoprobe for the sensitive and selective detection of trace Fe(III) in industrial water.
• This approach offers a promising tool for real-time monitoring of iron ions, aiding in early corrosion warning and control.
• The use of common inorganic phosphate water treatment agents presents a cost-effective strategy for developing advanced sensing materials.