Optimized one‐pot synthesis of CdSe quantum dot capped with 3‐mercaptopropionic acid as an efficient fluorescent probe for selective detection of Hg (II)

Abstract

AbstractHere, we demonstrated the use of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid‐capped CdSe quantum dots (CdSe QDs) for the sensing of mercury ions (Hg2+) in solution. The size and the shape of the synthesized QD were observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and crystallinity was confirmed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The synthesized QD showed to have mean size 4 nm. Our QD was found to sense Hg2+ ions with a detection limit of 5 ppm at pH 7.0 and a linearity range of 5–50 ppm. The effect of pH on the optical property of QD was also investigated and found that the sensor worked best at pH 7.0 with high linearity and sensitivity, thus reducing the cost of the process. The sensing mechanism of CdSe QD was further analysed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Therefore, our synthesized CdSe QD capped with 3‐mercaptopropionic acid demonstrated to act as an efficient nanomaterial for rapid and easy to perform sensing of mercury ion in aquatic environment.