A hybrid mesoporous material functionalized by 1,8-naphthalimide-base receptor and the application as chemosensor and absorbent for Hg 2+ in water

Abstract

A novel hybrid material (SBA- P1) is prepared through the functionalization of mesoporous silica (SBA-15) with a 1,8-naphthalimide-based dye by sol–gel reaction. The characterization results of elemental analysis (EA), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and spectroscopic methods demonstrate the fluorescence dye P1 is successfully grafted onto the inner surface of SBA-15 and the organized structure is preserved. SBA- P1 can detect Hg 2+ with high selectivity to Cu 2+, Zn 2+, Cd 2+, Pb 2+, Mn 2+, Ni 2+, Co 2+, Ag +, Cr 3+, and Mg 2+, Ca 2+, Li +, Na +, K + in water and sensitivity to environmentally relevant mercury in complex natural samples. The quenching fluorescence detection is also reversible by treating with EDTA/base. Furthermore, its fluorescence intensity keeps stable in the physiologically relevant pH range. The extraction ability of SBA- P1 is also estimated by inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometer (ICP), showing that approximately 90% of the Hg 2+ ion is extracted. These results imply that the hybrid material has potential application for sensing and removing of Hg 2+ ions in waste water and working as toxicide for acute mercury poisoning.