One-pot green synthesis of optical fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Ni2+ ions and hydro gel studies

Abstract

Abstract A Schiff base chemosensor derived from 2-aminophenol and 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde (APAI) was designed and synthesized in a greener approach. It was prepared by microwave irradiation using few drops of acetic acid. The synthesized chemosensor was characterized by 1H NMR and HR-LCMS mass analysis. Its excellent selectivity towards Ni2+ was examined by both colorimetric and fluorometric sensing techniques. A rapid colour change from yellow to dark brown was observed when Ni2+ was added. Among the employed metals only Ni2+ has notable colour change. In the UV–Visible spectrum a new peak apart from the sensor appeared which confirms the selectivity in sensing. A significant enhancement in fluorescence was observed in presence of Ni2+. Among the various metals Cu2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cr3+,Mg2+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Cd2+, Pb2+ Al3+, Pd2+, K+, Na+, Cr2O42− investigated no major interference was observed even in higher concentration of analytes with a comparatively lowest detection limits of 0.04 μM. The experimental results are further supported by the DFT studies. The chemosensor is likely to find application in the recovery of contaminated water and hydrogel experiments were carried out in order to support the selective colorimetric detection of Ni2+ by APAI.