Abstract
Herein, we prepared the L-histidine- (His-) protected silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) by the microwave synthesis method. The synthesis process was rapid, facile, and environmentally friendly. Under 356 nm excitation, the as-prepared Ag NCs exhibited the blue fluorescence, and the fluorescence emission peak was located at 440 nm. The Ag NCs could successfully detect trace copper (Cu2+) ions in the aqueous solution and the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.6 pM. Interestingly, the Ag NCs showed a different pH-dependent selectivity for both Cu2+ and iron (Fe3+) ions with no responses to other heavy metal ions. Furthermore, the as-fabricated fluorescent sensing system was utilized to detect glutathione (GSH, the LOD was 0.8 nM) by using the “switch-on” fluorescence recovery of Ag NCs through adding glutathione (GSH) to the Cu2+-Ag NCs solution.
Highlights
Since heavy metal ions would combine with other toxins in water to produce toxic substances, they could cause serious water pollution leading to a destructive effect on the environment and human health
Characterization of Ag NCs. e fluorescent Ag NCs were prepared by the microwave method with the His as the reductant and stabilizer. e product exhibited a lightyellow solution
In the synthesis process of the Ag NCs, Ag+ was reduced to Ag0 by the imidazolyl groups of the His, and the carboxyl group played an important role in protecting the silver core [8]
Summary
Since heavy metal ions would combine with other toxins in water to produce toxic substances, they could cause serious water pollution leading to a destructive effect on the environment and human health. Many methods of detection of Cu2+ using the Ag NCs as the probe have been reported. Na Xiao et al synthesized Ag NCs with glutathione for the detection of Cu2+, and the LOD was 27 nM [28]. We prepared an Ag NCs fluorescent probe for the detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+ by changing the pH value. E Ag NCs were synthesized using histidine as stabilizer and reductant by microwave synthesis method. E fluorescence of the Ag NCs was recovered by forming a strong complex of GSH and Cu2+. It has application prospects in water pollution and dairy product detection
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