A versatile internal filtration effect-based ratiometric probe for fluorescence and naked eye sensing of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrostilbene

Abstract

2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrostilbene (HNS) detection is an essential issue in homeland security screening and environment monitoring. Herein, Mn doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs), ethanolamine (EA) and dansyl hydrazine (DNSH) were proposed as ratiometric probes (DNQDs) for fluorescent (FL), visual FL (VFL), and naked-eye-based visual (NEBV) detection of HNS on surfaces and in water. The amino-HNS complex was formed due to the reaction between HNS and EA after adding HNS into DNQDs. The complex could quench the FL emission of the QDs and DNSH with different rates because of the internal filtration effect. HNS sensing was acquired by comparing the ratio change between their FL intensities. Meanwhile, DNQDs could be used for NEBV sensing of HNS by recognizing the orange-red colored complex. DNQDs demonstrated a good sensitivity: the lowest detectable concentrations/amounts of FL, VFL, and NEBV methods for HNS in water were 0.025, 2.5, and 5 mg/L, and those of VFL and NEBV methods for HNS on surfaces were 0.64 and 1.59 μg/mm2, respectively. Finally, DNQDs were successfully utilized for HNS detection on palm and travel bag surfaces as well as in environmental water. DNQDs-based approaches might be a promising potential for HNS analysis owing to the high sensitivity and versatility.