Highly selective and sensitive colorimetric chemosensor based on tricarboyanine for detection of Ag+ in industrial wastewater

Xiaolong Zeng,Xuezhao Li,Wen Sun

doi:10.1186/s42825-020-00031-2

Abstract

An efficient fluorescent probe 1 based on tricarbocyanine derivative was designed and synthesized, which can detect Ag+ in real industrial wastewater. UV-Vis absorption and fluorescent emission spectra of probe 1 were carried out and indicated this probe can bind Ag+ via complexation reaction, then leading to a remarkable color change from blue to light red. Furthermore, probe 1 showed high sensitive performance and excellent selectivity toward Ag+ over other common metal ions in neutral pH. The sensing mechanism was proposed and further confirmed by 1H NMR, which demonstrate analyte-induced destruction of the π-electron system could be shorten by the disruption of the pull-push π-conjugation system in probe 1. Moreover, a test strip was prepared by filter paper immersing in probe 1 solution, which further provide its potential application for trace Ag+ detection in real industrial wastewater.Graphical abstract

Highlights

On the other hand, owing to the excellent antimicrobial activity, nowadays silver nanoparticles are of great significance using in consumer product like leather goods
We reported a new Heptamethine cyanine (Cy7) derivative probe 1 bearing an alkynyl piperazine unit as an Ag ion capture
The chemical structure of a2 was confirmed by 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (Figure S1, Supporting information)

Summary

Introduction

Ag element and its derivative are extensively used in photography industry, electrical industry as well as pharmaceutical industry [1–3]. On the other hand, owing to the excellent antimicrobial activity, nowadays silver nanoparticles are of great significance using in consumer product like leather goods. The green and in situ synthetic techinique of coating silver nanoparticles on leather was well investigated [5]. Ag ion hold superior antibacterial effect, it may cause toxicity towards mammalian cells [6]. The released Ag ion form industrial or laboratory wastewater to the environment has been estimated more than 2500 t every year, of which most of them ran into wastewater treatment plants. There is still 80 t Ag ion released into surface waters [2]. Long term exposure of Ag ion could still cause severe toxicity to animals and human beings [9–11]. The development of Ag ion detection method in wastewater is emergently required

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Conclusion