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Smartphone-assisted detection of trace methyl orange in water by ratiometric nanosensors based on down/up-conversion
Yuyang Wang1, Shuoran Chen1, Zongyi Xu1
1Research Center for Green Printing Nanophotonic Materials, Suzhou Key Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Low Carbon Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215009 Suzhou, China.
Abstract:
A ratiometric nanosensor was developed for detecting methyl orange (MO) based on down/up-conversion luminescence achieved by a triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion luminescence (TTA-UCL) system. The probe, utilizing sensitizer and annihilator fluorophores encapsulated in nanomicelles, demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for MO detection. The energy transfer from UCL to MO endowed the sensor with responsive capabilities. The unaffected triplet-triplet energy transfer process maintained the phosphorescence signal constant, serving as a reference to construct the ratiometric sensor along with the UCL signal. Additionally, a smartphone-assisted colorimetric detection method was also developed based on the ratiometric sensor, enabling rapid and convenient detection of MO without the need for a spectrometer. The performance of the nanosensor in real water samples confirmed its potential for practical environmental applications.
