Dual-Emission Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on UiO-66-NH₂@CQDs for Quantitative Detection of Acetophenone

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like acetophenone (AP) pose risks to environmental and public health.
• Development of selective and sensitive detection methods for AP is critical.
• Existing detection methods may lack the required sensitivity or selectivity for real-world applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of acetophenone (AP).
• To utilize a metal-organic framework (MOF) functionalized with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for enhanced sensing capabilities.
• To establish a self-calibrating nanoprobe for accurate AP quantification.

Main Methods:

• Post-synthetic modification of UiO-66-NH2 metal-organic framework by anchoring carbon quantum dots (CQDs).
• Fabrication of a ratiometric sensor (UiO-66-NH2@CQDs) for AP detection.
• Utilizing fluorescence emission changes at 430 nm and 550 nm for signal transduction.
• Development of a paper-based analytical device for on-site AP detection in industrial wastewater.

Main Results:

• The synthesized UiO-66-NH2@CQDs sensor exhibited selective detection of AP.
• Upon AP addition, a fluorescence color transition from blue-green to yellow was observed.
• The sensor showed a decreased emission at 430 nm and enhanced emission at 550 nm in response to AP.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 175.6 nM for AP was achieved.
• Successful demonstration of on-site visual AP detection in industrial wastewater using a paper-based device.

Conclusions:

• The ratiometric UiO-66-NH2@CQDs sensor provides a highly selective and sensitive platform for AP detection.
• The self-calibrating nature of the nanoprobe ensures reliable quantification.
• The developed sensor and paper-based device hold significant potential for environmental monitoring and public health protection.