A tailored ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on CdTe and MgF₂ quantum dots for trace N-ethylpentylone detection

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• N-Ethylpentylone (NEP) is an abused substance frequently found in wastewater.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for monitoring NEP in environmental samples.
• Existing methods like mass spectrometry can be costly and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, highly sensitive ratiometric fluorescence sensor for NEP detection.
• To utilize CdTe@MIPs as the receptor and response unit, and MgF2 as a stable reference signal.
• To validate the sensor's performance in real-world wastewater samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CdTe@MIPs/MgF2 nanocomposite material.
• Utilizing fluorescence quenching at 570 nm for NEP detection.
• Employing MgF2 fluorescence at 470 nm as an internal reference for enhanced stability.
• Testing sensor selectivity against analogues and interferents.

Main Results:

• The sensor exhibited a linear detection range of 2-200 nM for NEP.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 nM was achieved.
• The sensor demonstrated high selectivity for NEP over other compounds.
• Successful application in wastewater sample analysis was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The developed CdTe@MIPs/MgF2 sensor is a promising tool for sensitive and selective NEP detection in wastewater.
• This ratiometric fluorescence approach offers a cost-effective and stable alternative to conventional methods.
• The novel MgF2 fluorescent nanomaterial shows potential for future research in sensing applications.