Simple and efficient synthesis of purple-red carbon spheres and construction of fluorescence resonance energy system for hypochlorite detection

Abstract

A new type of purple-red carbon sphere was synthesized by efficient and convenient methods, which was designed as a colorimetric and fluorescent probe for the detection of hypochlorite, further expanding the application range of carbon spheres. This rare purple-red carbon sphere has a relatively long absorption wavelength, facilitating the design of a highly sensitive fluorescent probe through the energy transfer mechanism. When the probe reacts with hypochlorite, the purplish red color of the carbon ball fades, thus preventing the energy transfer process. More importantly, the alkaline environment provided by hypochlorite also further increases the fluorescence intensity, which was verified by density functional theory (DFT). Finally, a highly selective and ultrafast fluorescent turn-on and colorimetric probe was designed for the detection of hypochlorite in tap water.