A colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering dual-signal sensor for Hg based on Bismuthiol II-capped gold nanoparticles

The addition of Bismuthiol II to the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) solution led to the aggregation of AuNPs with a color change from red to blue. As a result, hot spots were formed and strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal of Bismuthiol II was observed. However, the Bismuthiol II-induced aggregation of AuNPs could be reversed by Hg²⁺ in the system, accompanied by a remarkable color change from blue to red. As evidenced by UV–vis and SERS spectroscopy, the variation in absorption band and SERS intensity was strongly dependent on the concentration of Hg²⁺, suggesting a colorimetric and SERS dual-signal sensor for Hg²⁺. The sensor had a high sensitivity, low detection limits of 2 nM and 30 nM could be achieved by UV–vis spectroscopy and by SERS spectroscopy, respectively. Other environmentally relevant metal ions did not interfere with the detection of Hg²⁺. The method was successfully applied to detect Hg²⁺ in water samples. It was simple, rapid and cost-effective without any modifying or labeling procedure.     

A highly selective fluorescence switch for Cu2+ and Fe3+ based on a new diarylethene with a triazole-linked rhodamine 6G unit

A new diarylethene compound with a triazole-linked rhodamine 6G unit attached to the imino group (1O) was designed and synthesized. According to the test results, the solution color and fluorescence color of diarylethene can be modulated by lights and metal ions. The solution color could change from colorless to light purple when irradiated with UV light. When Cu²⁺ was added to the diarylethene solution, the color of diarylethene solution became blue, the fluorescence color turned from dark to bright yellow. Although the solution color did not change by adding Fe³⁺, its fluorescence color varied from dark to yellow. Moreover, it was found that the complex ratio of the diarylethene to Cu²⁺ was 1:1 and the binding stoichiometry of the diarylethene to Fe³⁺ was also 1:1 based on the data of NMR, MS, and other experiments. Based on these findings, photochromic figure of the diarylethene with UV/Vis light, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ was constructed. Furthermore, the logic circuit was designed by input signals (ultraviolet stimulus, visible light stimulus, Cu²⁺ (or Fe³⁺) and EDTA) and an output signal (fluorescent intensity at 566?nm (or 575?nm)).     

Field-portable ratiometric fluorescence imaging of dual-color label-free carbon dots for uranyl ions detection with cellphone-based optical platform

Under the public spotlight, uranyl (UO₂²⁺) ions has attracted considerable attention for the extreme radioactive and chemical toxicity to ourselves and our environment. Herein, we present a simple and effective ratiometric fluorescence imaging method for the visualizing and quantitative detection UO₂²⁺ ions by cellphone-based optical platform. The sensing solution was prepared by mixing label-free red carbon dots (r-CDs) and blue carbon dots (b-CDs) together with a fixed photoluminescence intensity ratio of 4:1. When UO₂²⁺ ions were added, the fluorescence of r-CDs can be selectively quenched, while the fluorescence of b-CDs remains stable without spectral changes. With the gradually increase the amounts of UO₂²⁺ ions, the different response of dual-color CDs resulted in a signification color evolution from deep red to dark purple under the ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. Then, a cellphone-based optical platform was constructed for directly imaging the color change of the samples, and the built-in Colorpicker APP quickly output the red, green and blue (RGB) channel values of these images within one second. Interesting, there was a linear relationship between the ratio of red and blue (R/B) channel values and UO₂²⁺ ions concentration from 0 μmol/L to 30.0 μmol/L (R² = 0.92804) with the detection limit of ∼8.15 μmol/L (signal-to-noise ratio of 3). In addition, the optical platform has also been applied to the quantification of UO₂²⁺ ions in tap water and river water sample. With the advantage of low-cost, portable, easy to operation, we anticipate that this method would greatly improve the accessibility of UO₂²⁺ ions detection even in resource-limited areas.     

A bifunctional probe for Al3+ and Zn2+ based on diarylethene with an ethylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-6-hydrazide unit

A new diarylethene with ethylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-6-hydrazide unit was synthesized, and its photochromic and fluorescent behaviors have been systematically investigated by the stimulation of lights and metal ions in methanol. This new diarylethene exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺. The addition of Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ displayed excellent colorimetric response behaviour with the concomitant color change from colorless to yellow, which could be easily observed by the naked eye. Upon addition of Al³⁺, the fluorescence intensity was enhanced by 180–fold and the emission peak of 1O–Al³⁺ blue-shifted by 15?nm accompanied with a color change from colorless to bright blue. In contrast, when stimulated with Zn²⁺, its fluorescence intensity was enhanced by 35–fold and the emission peak of 1O–Zn²⁺ red-shifted by 16?nm with an evident color change from black to bright green. The LOD for Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ were determined to be 2.97?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 and 5.98?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1, respectively. Moreover, a logic circuit was constructed with the fluorescence intensity as the output signal responding to the light and chemical species as the inputs.     

Highly selective and sensitive visualizable detection of Hg2+ based on anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles

For the widely used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based colorimetric probes, AuNPs generally change from dispersion to aggregation state accompanying with corresponding color turning from red to blue. Although colorimetric probes based on the anti-aggregation of AuNPs show exceptional selectivity and sensitivity, few examples have been reported in literature. A facile but highly sensitive and selective colorimetric probe based on the anti-aggregation of AuNPs transferred from the deactivation of aggregation agent 4,4′-dipyridyl by Hg²⁺ was developed in this work. This reported probe is suitable for real-time detection of Hg²⁺ in water with a detection limit of 3.0 ppb for Hg²⁺, and exhibits a selectivity toward Hg²⁺ by two orders of magnitude over other metal ions. The dynamic range of this probe can be conveniently tuned by adjusting the amount of 4,4′-dipyridyl used.     

Integration of high-thermal-responsive color change and invisible emission intensity ratio in Gd2Mo4O15 lattice with the desired structure

Thermal-responsive upconversion luminescence (UCL) is of interest due to its potential application in anti-counterfeiting and temperature sensing. However, integrating the multi-model emission intensity ratios with high-thermal sensitivity, especially those involving invisible UCL, into a single host lattice remains challenging. In this work, the color change of blue to bluish-purple and invisible emission intensity ratio with a temperature sensitivity as high as 13.47% K^?1, thanks to the crossover-reduced thermal quenching and the Yb³⁺-MoO₄^2- dimer sensitization, are available in the monoclinic Gd₂Mo₄O₁₅:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺. Moreover, the temperature-dependent color response is tunable, such as the introduction of Er³⁺ results in a color change from blue to bluish-green. Our results allow promising temperature-dependent UCL applications and open the opportunity for other functional materials based on Re₂Mo₄O₁₅ with desirable phase structures.     

A selective, sensitive probe for mercury(II) ions based on oxazine-thione

A selective, sensitive probe for Hg(II) ions, 7-(diethylamino)-3-methyl-2H-benzo[b][1,4] oxazine-2-thione (1), is developed. Compound 1 behaves as a ratiometric probe, exhibiting a large blue shift of 100 nm in its absorption spectra upon exposure to Hg(II) ions. The dramatic color change of the solution made ‘naked-eye’ detection of Hg(II) ions possible. Emission spectra of 1 displayed a selective enhancement in intensity in the presence of Hg(II) ions. ESI⁺-MS analysis indicated that Hg²⁺-induced desulfurization caused the large absorption response.     

Carbazole‐based colorimetric and fluorescent probe for Cu2+ and its utility in bio‐imaging and real water samples

A new carbazole functionalized Schiff base CBM was synthesized and characterized. CBM can selectively recognize Cu²⁺ via UV–vis and fluorescence signal among common biologically relevant metal ions. When Cu²⁺ was added to CBM, there was a significant enhancement at the maximum absorption wavelength of 393 nm and with a distinct blue shift. The maximum emission peak was significantly attenuated by a factor of about 15 times at 535 nm and the blue shift of emission wavelength was observed. When other metal ions were added, there was no remarkable change at the maximum absorption and emission peak. Under the illumination of 365 nm ultraviolet lamp, the color of the CBM solution changed from light blue to dark blue after the addition of Cu²⁺. The combination mechanism of CBM with Cu²⁺ was nicely explored by density functional theory studies. The probe CBM has good cell permeability, fluorescence electron microscopy experiments show that CBM can be used as a fluorescent probe to detect the presence or absence of Cu²⁺ in Hela cells. Furthermore, the probe CBM can also be used for the detection of copper ions in actual water samples.     

Diarylethene-based multi-controllable switch with pyridinepiperazine-linked hydroxyquinoline group

Asymmetrical diarylethene with pyridinepiperazine-linked hydroxyquinoline group was synthesized and its multi-controllable switching behaviors induced by light and chemical stimuli were investigated. The diarylethene exhibited a notable fluorescence enhancement with added TFA in the solution. When triggered by Fe³⁺, its fluorescence intensity notably decreased, accompanied with a color change from light blue to dark, indicating its excellent selectivity to Fe³⁺ over many other metal ions. Moreover, a 1:1 binding stoichiometry between Fe³⁺ and the derivative was obtained according to Job's plot and ESI-MS analysis.     

Gd2O3:Yb3+,Nd3+,Tm3+/SiO2/Ag纳米复合材料的合成及上转换发光性质

通过多步骤的化学法合成了Gd₂O₃：Yb³⁺,Nd³⁺,Tm³⁺/SiO₂/Ag纳米复合材料。利用XRD,TEM,EDS,XPS,CLSM等方法对样品进行表征。实验结果表明,具有低声子能、稳定的化学性质的Gd₂O₃作为上转换发光的基质,当掺杂的敏化剂Nd³⁺离子浓度为1.0%（n/n）,激活剂离子Tm³⁺浓度为0.5%（n/n）时,上转换发光强度达到最大值。此外,表面吸附的Ag纳米颗粒,由于表面等离激元共振耦合作用,使得上转换发光蓝光波段的强度增强1.70倍。     

A multi-functional fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ and HSO4− based on a new diarylethene derivative

A new photochromic diarylethene derivative with a hydralazine unit was designed and synthesized. It was not only acted as a Zn²⁺ sensor with the fluorescent color change from dark blue to bright orange, but also acted as a fluorescent sensor for HSO₄^? with the fluorescent color change from dark blue to bright blue. Furthermore, the derivative also exhibits multi-addressable switching properties by the stimulations of lights and chemical reagents. Based on these characteristics, two combinational logic circuits were constructed with the emission intensity as the output signals, and the UV/vis lights, chemical species as the input signals.     

An NBD-based colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for Zn and its use for detection of intracellular zinc ions

A new 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) based colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensor for Zn²⁺, an ion involved in many biological processes, was designed and synthesized. The NBD-probe 1 displays a red-to-yellow color change and an enhancement of fluorescent intensity in the presence of an aqueous solution of Zn²⁺ ions (pH 7.2). Internal charge transfer (ICT) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanisms are responsible for these changes. The practical use of this probe was demonstrated by its application to the biologically relevant detection of Zn²⁺ ions in pancreatic β-cells.     

A Thermal And Structural Study on Lanthanum Hexacyanocobaltate(III) Pentahydrate. Part II

The thermal dehydration of La[Co(CN)₆]⋅5H₂O proceeded through at least three stages from the temperature range of30~230°C, and an abrupt mass loss occurred around 350°C and the perovskite type oxide,LaCoO₃ was obtained at 1000°C. After dehydration, the color of the anhydride changed from white to pale blue around 230°C and furthermore, the color changed to blue around 290°C. These color changes were discussed on the basis of the changes of coordination structures around Co ions. In La[Co(CN)₆]⋅5H₂O, Co³⁺ ions lie at the center of the O_h crystal field consisted of six CN^– ions. However, in the pale blue specimen, Co³⁺ ions were situated in the center of D_4h crystal field which was distorted the O_h one by lengthening of the trans CN^– ions along z-axis. In the blue specimen, Co³⁺ ions were reduced to Co²⁺ ions which were situated in the T_d crystal field formed by four CN^–ions as [Co(CN)₄]^2–. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles Reduced by Formamidinesulfinic Acid and Its Application in Colorimetric Sensor

A rapid one-step preparation approach of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was reported by employing formamidinesulfinic acid as reducing agent and soluble starch as stabilizing agent. The formation of AgNPs was further confirmed by using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The resultant AgNPs could be directly used for the colorimetric reaction with metal ions. The results showed that Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions could induce the color change of AgNPs from yellow to pink (Al³⁺), orange (Cr³⁺) and colorless (Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺), respectively, which can be observed by the naked eye. Based on these, a sensitive colorimetric sensor for Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions detection was developed.     

Differential Detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ Ions by BODIPY‐Based Fluorescent Sensors

Two monostyryl BODIPY derivatives that contain one or two bis(hydroxyamido)amino group(s) as the metal chelator have been prepared. The effects of various metal ions on their electronic absorption and fluorescence properties have been studied in detail in MeCN or in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results show that the derivative with two hydroxyamide chains can selectively detect Zn²⁺ ions in MeCN. The compound and ions bind in a 1:1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 2.2(±0.1)×10⁴ M ^?1. The intensity of the fluorescence emission increases remarkably and is substantially blue‐shifted from 624 to 572 nm, owing to the inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer, thus allowing its use as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Zn²⁺ ions. The derivative with four hydroxyamide chains behaves differently: It responds selectively toward Cd²⁺ ions in phosphate buffered saline. The compound and ions bind in a 1:2 stoichiometry, with first and second association constants of 4.4(±0.9)×10⁴ M ^?1 and 1.3(±0.1)×10⁴ M ^?1, respectively. Upon the addition of 80 equivalents of Cd²⁺ ions, the fluorescence quantum yield increases 15‐fold. Both of these compounds exhibit differential sensing of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions and the associated color changes can be easily seen by the naked eye.     

Cytosine triphosphate-capped silver nanoparticles as a platform for visual and colorimetric determination of mercury(II) and chromium(III)

This work reports on a colorimetric platform for determination of chromium ions (Cr³⁺) and mercury ions (Hg²⁺) using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with cytosine triphosphate (CTP). The capped AgNPs were synthesized one-step by reduction of AgNO₃ in the presence of CTP. It was found that such AgNPs aggregate in the presence of Cr³⁺. This results in a decrease in the intensity of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 390 nm and the formation of a new red-shifted band at 510 nm, and consequently a color change from yellow to red. Different from the Cr³⁺-induced aggregation of AgNPs, exposure to Hg²⁺ causes the formation of a mercury layer around the surface of the AgNPs. This, in turn, causes the SPR absorption of the AgNPs to decrease and to undergo a slight blue shift, and this results in a fading of the yellow color. The findings are the basis of developing a new method for quantification of either Cr³⁺ or Hg²⁺, with detection limits of 6.25 μM for Cr³⁺ and of 0.125 μM for Hg²⁺, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of the two ions in spiked drinking water and lake water samples, and recoveries ranged from 94.5% to 101.3% for Cr³⁺, and from 96% to 108% for Hg²⁺, which is satisfactory for quantitative assays performed in water samples.

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Graphical abstract Cytosine triphosphate-capped silver nanoparticles (cAgNPs) are shown to represent a viable probe for visual and colorimetric detection of Hg²⁺ and Cr³⁺ via two different mechanisms: aggregation of cAgNPs in case of Cr³⁺; and amalgamation of cAgNPs in case of Hg²⁺.

     

A new fluorescence probe based on diarylethene with a benzothiazine unit for selective detection of Cd2+

A novel photochromic diarylethene derivative containing a benzothiazine unit has been synthesized. Its photochromism and fluorescent selectivity to metal ions were studied in detail in methanol solution. Under the stimulation of Cd²⁺ ions, the derivative showed a significant fluorescence enhancement and obvious red shift, accompanied by the fluorescent color changed from dark purple to bright blue. The 1: 1 stoichiometry between the derivative and Cd²⁺ was verified by titration experiments and high resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, a molecular logic circuit was designed with the emission intensity at 476?nm as output and the stimuli of Cd²⁺/EDTA and UV/vis as inputs.     

Thermal and structural analysis of germanate glass and thin films co-doped with silver nanoparticles and rare earth ions with insights from visible and Raman spectroscopy

This paper reports on the thermal and optical properties of germanate glasses GeO₂–PbO co-doped with silver nanoparticles and rare earth ions (Tm³⁺, Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺) with a focus on the thermal diffusivity (D). The presence of rare earth ions and nanoparticles is evidenced by absorption spectra and TEM images, respectively. Additionally, a structural comparison between thin films and bulk glass with the same nominal composition is given. It is found that D increases up to 20% in samples where nanoparticles are present, although their quantity corresponds only to a volume fraction of 1.7%. Therefore, such enhancement could be associated with the nanoparticles. Nevertheless, a Raman analysis revealed a structural change after the thermal treatment used for the nucleation of the nanoparticles. A decrease in the intensity of the band at 534 cm⁻¹ in the Raman spectra is interpreted as the disruption of the 3-membered rings of the GeO₄ tetrahedra. The Raman analysis also revealed the formation of small crystals of α-GeO₂ type quartz and the adsorption of carbon dioxide on the surface of the silver nanoparticles inserted in the germanate thin film.     

Induced Color Change of Conjugated Polymeric Vesicles by Interfacial Catalysis of Phospholipase A2

A blue to red color change is induced on addition of phospholipase A₂ to modified PDA vesicles 1 (PDA=polydiacetylene). This bathochromic transition results from chemical modification of the vesicles by hydrolysis of the enzyme substrate embedded in the PDA matrix. Addition of a known phospholipase inhibitor or removal of Ca²⁺ ions suppresses the color change, which suggests the potential for applications in high‐throughput screening assays.