Fluorescent 'Turn-On' 1,2,3-Triazole Probe for Selective and Precise Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ Ions Detection in Tap Water:...

Schiff base tethered 1,2,3-triazole (TBT) having excellent optical properties were examined via fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy that revealed it to be a highly selective and sensitive Lead and Copper ions sensor. TBT exhibited colorimetric changes for the Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in the solution form. The probe TBT exhibited ultra-low detection limit of 190 pM and 130 pM for the Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions respectively. The Job's plot analysis confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry of TBT-Cu²⁺ and TBT-Pb²⁺ complexes and time dependent, pH titration, and the reversibility, mimicking INHIBIT logic gate, were also explored photo-physically. Moreover, TBT-Cu(II) and TBT-Pb(II) complexes were studied via DFT studies at the B3LYP/6-311G++(d, p)/LANL2DZ depicting their binding interactions that supplemented with their experimental FTIR and mass analysis. Furthermore, the practical utility of sensor TBT was validated in real water samples with exclusive Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions detection imminent potential in environmental and analytical applications.