Abstract
We demonstrate a simple strategy to concoct a competent solid-state opto-chemosensor for the selective and sensitive visual detection of Hg2+ ions. The sensor fabrication involves the utilization of indigenously prepared mesoporous silica and polymer monoliths as probe anchoring templates and 8-hydroxy-7-(4-n-butylphenylazo) quinoline (HBPQ) as the chromo-ionophoric probe for Hg2+ sensing. Both the monoliths are designed with discrete structural and morphological features to serve as efficient host templates. The structural and surface features of the monoliths are characterized using p-XRD, TEM, SEM, SAED, EDAX, XPS, and N2 isotherm analysis. The synergetic features of monolith structural hierarchy along with the probe’s selective chelating ability enable rapid signal response and remarkable ion selectivity for Hg2+. The solid-state sensors evince a linear signal response from 0.6 to 150 μg/L for Hg2+ recognition, with superior data authenticity and replication that is preceded by an RSD value of ≤ 2.25% when tested with real water samples.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to SERB for the financial support granted under Start-up Research Grant Scheme (Project File No. SB/FT/CS-091/2013) and VIT Vellore in the form of Institute Seed Grant for the financial year, 2019–2020. The authors also thank IIT-Madras and IISc Bangalore for the instrumentation facilities.
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Madhesan, T., Mohan, A. Porous silica and polymer monolith architectures as solid-state optical chemosensors for Hg2+ ions. Anal Bioanal Chem 412, 7357–7370 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-020-02870-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-020-02870-8