Development of a ZnQ@Zn-HKUST-1-Based Fluorescence Sensor for Trace-Level Arsenate Ion Detection

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Arsenic contamination in water poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Arsenate ions (AsO₄3⁻) are a widespread and hazardous form of arsenic.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods are crucial for monitoring arsenic levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fluorescence-based sensor for the selective detection of arsenate ions.
• To enhance sensor performance by incorporating 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-Q) into a 2D Zn-HKUST-1 nanosheet framework.
• To evaluate the sensor's sensitivity, selectivity, and potential for groundwater monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 2D Zn-HKUST-1 nanosheets incorporating 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-Q) via solvothermal methods.
• Characterization of the ZnQ@Zn-HKUST-1 material using FTIR, XRD, and SEM.
• Evaluation of fluorescence sensing capabilities for arsenate ions using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The synthesized ZnQ@Zn-HKUST-1 nanosheets exhibited enhanced physicochemical and optical properties.
• The sensor demonstrated a highly sensitive detection limit of 0.0521 nM for arsenate ions.
• The sensor showed outstanding selectivity for arsenate ions over other common metal ions.

Conclusions:

• ZnQ@Zn-HKUST-1 nanosheets represent a powerful material for fluorescence-based arsenate sensing.
• The developed sensor offers a promising and effective tool for trace-level arsenate detection in water.
• This technology contributes to improved water quality monitoring and public health protection efforts.