Dual-emission copper nanoclusters for hydrogen sulfide detection: a novel approach

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic gas requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Existing H2S detection methods may lack sensitivity or employ complex procedures.
• Developing novel fluorescent probes for H2S detection is an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize dual-emission copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) using a green, one-pot aqueous method.
• To develop a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection.
• To investigate the application of CuNCs for environmental H2S monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CuNCs using bovine serum albumin and glutathione in an aqueous solution.
• Characterization of CuNCs' dual-emission fluorescence properties (443 nm and 612 nm).
• Investigating the fluorescence quenching response of CuNCs to varying hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

Main Results:

• CuNCs exhibited distinct dual-emission fluorescence.
• Hydrogen sulfide concentration-dependently quenched the fluorescence of CuNCs.
• A low detection limit (0.32 μM) for H2S was achieved, surpassing WHO guidelines.
• The probe showed stable response in the 2.5–60.0 μM range and high recovery rates (98.2–102%) in environmental samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed green synthesized CuNCs serve as an effective fluorescent probe for sensitive H2S detection.
• This method holds significant potential for real-time environmental H2S monitoring and pollution control.
• The study provides insights into the fluorescence mechanisms of metal nanoclusters for sensing applications.