Microwave synthesis of molybdenum disulfide quantum dots and the application in bilirubin sensing

Molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS₂QDs) is a new type of graphite like nanomaterial, which exhibited well chemical stability, unique fluorescence characteristics, and excellent biocompatibility. The conventional hydrothermal synthesis of MoS₂generally requires a long-term reaction at high temperature and high pressure. Herein, we have developed a simple and fast MoS₂QDs synthesis scheme using microwave heating, and further modified the surface of MoS₂QDs using 3-aminophenylboronic acid. The 3- aminophenylboronic acid modified MoS₂QDs (B-MoS₂QDs) were further coated by a zinc-based metal-organic backbone (ZIF-8) in a solution containing zinc ions and 2-methylimidazolium. The constructed nanohybrid B-MoS₂@ZIF-8 were successfully applied to the visualization and rapid detection of bilirubin based on the ratiometric fluorescence changes. The linear range for bilirubin detection is 0.2-75 μmol·l^-1, and detection limit is 0.017 μmol·l^-1.