Multicolor fluorescent probe based on copper nanoclusters and organometallic frameworks for selective detection of aluminum ions

Abstract

The development of rapid visual detection methods for heavy metal ions is significant for food safety and environmental protection. This work integrated copper nanoclusters and the organometallic framework ZrMOF into a nano detection system. The blue fluorescence of ZrMOF was used as a fluorescent internal standard. The visual and rapid detection of aluminum ions (Al3+) was achieved by Al3+ induced fluorescence enhancement of copper nanocluster aggregates. This nanoprobe has the advantages of high sensitivity, rapid response, and high visualization. The nanoprobe can detect Al3+ with a concentration of 0–60 μM (LOD was 139 nM) and can be used to detect Al3+ in environmental water samples. In addition, an instant detection platform for test paper and gel system based on the nanoprobe was constructed by using the smartphone's colorimetric acquisition and computational analysis application software (APP), which guides the application of multicolor fluorescent nanoprobes in the intelligent detection of fruit surfaces and flour additives.