Anthroneamine based chromofluorogenic probes for Hg2+ detection in aqueous solution

Anthroneamine derivatives 1–3 (H₂O:DMSO; 9:1, HEPES buffer, pH 7.0 ± 0.1) undergo highly selective fluorescence quenching with Hg²⁺. The observed linear fluorescence intensity change allows the quantitative detection of Hg²⁺ between 200 nM/40 ppb—12 μM/2.4 ppm even in the presence of interfering metal ions viz. Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺. Probes 1–3 and their Hg²⁺ complexes also show the broad pH resistance for their practical applicability.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic properties of coordination polymers Ni(NO2)2 and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO2)2

Two new coordination polymer frameworks Ni(NO₂)₂ (1) and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO₂)₂ (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction in formamide, and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurement. In compound 1, each Ni²⁺ ion is linked with four neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through μ_1,3-nitrito bridges forming 2D layered structure. In compound 2, each Ni²⁺ ion is bridged with six neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through four μ_1,3-nitrito groups and two 4,4′-bipy ligands forming 3D structure. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetism within framework of the two compounds with T_N = 19 K (1) and 21 K (2).     

Investigation of O7+ swift heavy ion irradiation on molybdenum doped indium oxide thin films

Molybdenum (0.5 at%) doped indium oxide thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique were irradiated by 100 MeV O⁷⁺ ions with different fluences of 5×10¹¹, 1×10¹² and 1×10¹³ ions/cm². Intensity of (222) peak of the pristine film was decreased with increase in the ion fluence. Films irradiated with the maximum ion fluence of 1×10¹³ ions/cm² showed a fraction of amorphous nature. The surface microstructures on the surface of the film showed that increase in ion fluence decreases the grain size. Mobility of the pristine molybdenum doped indium oxide films was decreased from ～122 to 48 cm²/V s with increasing ion fluence. Among the irradiated films the film irradiated with the ion fluence of 5×10¹¹ ions/cm² showed relatively low resistivity of 6.7×10^?4 Ω cm with the mobility of 75 cm²/V s. The average transmittance of the as-deposited IMO film is decreased from 89% to 81% due to irradiation with the fluence of 5×10¹¹ ions/cm².     

A new colorimetric and fluorescent ratiometric sensor for Hg2+ based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine

A novel fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine (PPM) has been designed and prepared for the detection of Hg²⁺ in the presence of other competing metal ions in acetonitrile. The photo exhibits fluorescence color change of PPM from blue to green without and with Hg²⁺, which red shift of wavelength about 105 nm in fluorescence emission spectra. It can serve as a highly selective chemodosimeter for Hg²⁺ with ratiometric and naked-eye detection. The photophysical properties of PPM confirmed a 2:1 (PPM–Hg²⁺) binding model and the spectral response toward Hg²⁺ was proved to be reversible.     

Study on the effects of cefotaxime on intracellular Ca^2＋ in human peripheral lymphocytes by fluoremetry

Characteristic of Fura-2-Ca~(2 )interaction was studied based on the fluorescence technique.The apparent dissociation constants(K_d)of the Fura-2-Ca~(2 )complex were determined at different temperature.The effect of cefotaxime(CEFA)on intracellular Ca~(2 )concentration([Ca~(2 )]_i)was discussed by using a ratiometric fluorescence dye Fura-2 as a probe.The basal[Ca~(2 )]_i in resting humanperipheral lymphocytes was 100 7 nmol/L but after treatment with cefotaxime,the changes of[Ca~(2 )]_i were observed in differentconditions.In the concentration range of 1-30 μmol/L of cefotaxime[Ca~(2 )]_i increased,as a result of releasing intracellular Ca2 stores.Higher concentration of cefotaxime(50-500 μmol/L)stimulated to decrease of[Ca~(2 )]_i.     

A novel sensitive biosensor for Ca2+ based on electropolymerized melatonin modified electrode

An electropolymerized melatonin modified glassy carbon electrode (EPMT/GCE) was prepared by electrochemically polymerizing of melatonin in a 0.04 mol l^?1 perchloric acid solution. In KCl solution, Ca²⁺ was found to perform a reversible complex reaction on the EPMT/GCE to produce a sharp complex adsorption wave. The configuration of the electropolymerized membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscope and various electrochemical techniques. Based on which, a novel sensitive Ca²⁺ electrochemical sensor was established. The peak current showed a linear relationship with Ca²⁺ concentration in range of 6.2 × 10^?7–1.0 × 10^?4 mol l^?1 with detection limit of 4.5 × 10^?7 mol l^?1. The developed electrochemical sensor has been used for determination of Ca²⁺ in body fluid.     

The role of ligand coordination on the spectral features of Yb3+ ions in lead aluminum silicate glasses

The glasses of the composition (40 ? x)PbO–(5 + x)Al₂O₃–54SiO₂:1.0Yb₂O₃ (in mol%) with x ranging from 5 to 10 have been synthesized. The IR spectral studies of these glasses have indicated that there is a gradual transformation of Al³⁺ ions from tetrahedral to octahedral coordination with increase of Al₂O₃ content in the glass network. The optical absorption and luminescence spectra have exhibited bands originating from ²F_7/2 → ²F_5/2 and ²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2 transitions, respectively. From these spectra, the absorption and emission cross-sections and fluorescence lifetime of Yb³⁺ ions have been evaluated. Quantitative analysis of these data indicated a decreasing radiative trapping and increasing fluorescence lifetime of Yb³⁺ ions with increasing Al₂O₃ content. This may be explained by structural variations in the vicinity of Yb³⁺ ions due to variation in the concentration of Al₂O₃ in the glass network.     

Fluorescence “turn-on” chemosensor for the selective detection of zinc ion based on Schiff-base derivative

N,N′-phenylenebis(salicylideaminato) (L) has been used to detect trace amounts of zinc ion in acetonitrile–water solution by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent probe undergoes fluorescent emission intensity enhancement upon binding to zinc ions in MeCN/H₂O (1:1, v/v) solution. The fluorescence enhancement of L is attributed to the 1:1 complex formation between L and Zn(II), which has been utilized as the basis for selective detection of Zn(II). The linear response range for Zn(II) covers a concentration range of 1.6 × 10^?7 to 1.0 × 10^?5 mol/L, and the detection limit is 1.5 × 10^?7 mol/L. The fluorescent probe exhibits high selectivity over other common metal ions, and the proposed fluorescent sensor was applied to determine zinc in water samples and waste water.     

A simple highly sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for the recognition of Pb2+

A simple highly sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor L based on bis-Schiff-base for Pb²⁺ ions was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. L having high binding affinity towards Pb²⁺ ions of 2.10 × 10⁴ M^?1 selectively detects Pb²⁺ ions with almost no interference among various competitive ions by a 11-fold fluorescent enhancement in CH₃CN/H₂O (95:5, v/v) solution over a wide pH range. Moreover, sensor L displayed a lower detection limit of 3.80 × 10^?7 M, which is low enough for sensing sub-millimolar concentration of Pb²⁺ encountered practically.     

Behavior of Co4+ ion in K2NiF4-type (Ca1+xSm1−x)CoO4

Orthorhombic K₂NiF₄-type (Ca_1+xSm_1−x)CoO₄ (0.00 ≤ x ≤0.15) with space group Bmab has been synthesized by the polymerized complex route. The cell parameters (a and b) decrease, while the cell parameter (c) increases with increasing Co⁴⁺ ion content. The global instability index (GII) indicates that the crystal stability of (Ca_1+xSm_1−x)CoO₄ is not influenced by the Co⁴⁺ ion content. (Ca_1+xSm_1−x)CoO₄ is a p-type semiconductor and exhibits hopping conductivity in the small-polaron model at low temperatures. The magnetic measurement indicates that (Ca_1+xSm_1−x)CoO₄ shows paramagnetic behavior above 5 K, and that the spin state of both the Co³⁺ and Co⁴⁺ ions is low. The Co⁴⁺ ion acts as an acceptor, and the electron transfer becomes active through the Co³⁺–O–Co⁴⁺ path as the Co⁴⁺ ions increase.     

Synthesis and evaluation of two novel rhodamine-based fluorescence probes for specific recognition of Fec+ ion

Two low cytotoxic fluorescence probes Rb1 and Rb2 detecting Fe³⁺ were synthesized and evaluated. Rb1 and Rb2 exhibited an excellent selectivity to Fe³⁺, which was not disturbed by Ag⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ce³⁺, AcO^?, Br^?, Cl^?, HPO₄^2?, HSO₃^?, I^?, NO₃^?, S₂O₃^2?, SO₃^2? and SO₄^2? ions. The detection limits were 1.87 × 10^?7 M for Rb1 and 5.60 × 10^?7 M for Rb2, respectively. 1:1 stoichiometry and 1:2 stoichiometry were the most likely recognition mode of Rb1 or Rb2 towards Fe³⁺, and the corresponding OFF–ON fluorescence mechanisms of Rb1 and Rb2 were proposed.     

A Schiff base fluorescence probe for highly selective turn-on recognition of Zn2+

A simple Schiff base CTS, synthesized between 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and 2-benzylthio-ethanamine, was found to be a good turn-on fluorescence probe for the detection of Zn²⁺, due to the restriction of the rotation of the bond between CN and naphthalene ring and/or the blocking of the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism of the nitrogen atom to naphthalene ring. Excellent selectivity for Zn²⁺ was evidenced, over many other competing ions, including Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺, in EtOH/HEPES buffer (95:5, v/v, pH = 7.4). It was noteworthy that Cd²⁺ had no interference with Zn²⁺. The stoichiometric complex of CTS-Zn²⁺ was determined to be 2:1 for CTS and Zn²⁺ in molar, based on the Job plot and single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The binding constant of the complex was 85.7 M^?2 with a detection limit of 5.03 × 10^?7 M. The fluorescence bio-imaging capability of CTS to detect Zn²⁺ in live cells was also studied. These results indicated that CTS could serve as a favorable probe for Zn²⁺.     

Evolution of microstructure and crack pattern in NiO thin films under 200 MeV Au ion irradiation

NiO thin films grown on Si (100) substrate by electron beam evaporation method and sintered at 700 °C were irradiated with 200 MeV Au¹⁵⁺ ions. The fcc structure of the sintered films was retained up to the highest fluence (1×10¹³ ions cm^?2) of irradiation. However the microstructure of the pristine film underwent a considerable modification with increasing ion fluence. 200 MeV Au ion irradiation led to compressive stress generation in NiO medium. The diameter of the stressed region created by 200 MeV Au ions along the ion path was estimated from the variation of stress with ion fluence and found to be ～11.6 nm. The film surface started cracking when irradiated at and above the fluence of 3×10¹² ions cm^?2. Ratio of the fractal dimension of the cracked surface obtained at 200 MeV and 120 MeV (Mallick et al., 2010a) Au ions was compared with the ratio of the radii of ion tracks calculated based on Coulomb explosion and thermal spike models. This comparison indicated applicability of thermal spike model for crack formation.     

An unprecedented two-dimensional polymeric [Zn(OOC–C6H4–COO)2]n2−[+H3N–(CH2)3–NH3+]n system bearing one-dimensional chain of zinc(II) bis(phthalate) dianions held by propane-1,3-diammonium cations: Crystal structure,thermal and fluorescent properties

A novel zinc(II) phthalate compound, [Zn{C₆H₄(COO)₂}₂]_n²⁻[NH₃–(CH₂)₃–NH₃]_n²⁺, 1 which contains four different phthalate moieties coordinated to the Zn(II) ion through one each of their carboxylate moieties in a η¹-form and each phthalate moiety acting as a bridging unit with an overall tetrahedral geometry around the metal ion has been prepared and structurally characterized. The structure is unique in the sense that the dianionic moieties [Zn{C₆H₄(COO)₂}₂]²⁻ form an infinite one-dimensional network composed of 14-membered cyclic units interconnected in a way that they are disposed alternatively in almost perpendicular planes. The dicationic [NH₃–(CH₂)₃–NH₃]²⁺ units are seen to hold these one-dimensional chains by strong coulombic and hydrogen bond interaction, resulting in an infinite two-dimensional layered structure of 1. The compound is thermally stable up to 250 °C. Above this temperature it loses one equivalent of phthalate moiety along with the diammonium unit to yield Zn(II) phthalate. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters associated with this process could be evaluated using Coats–Redfern equation which shows the activation energy E_a for the process as 305.0 kJ mol⁻¹, the frequency factor A as 1.49 × 10¹¹ s⁻¹ and the entropy change ΔS as −35.90 JK⁻¹ mol⁻¹. Fluorescent emission properties of 1 was studied by exciting the compound at 380 nm and also at 322 nm which were found to be the two λ_max corresponding to absorptions of the molecule. Interestingly, the compound gave same type of emission spectra showing a maximum around 444 nm on exciting at these two different wavelengths, indicating that the molecule comes to the first excited state from the higher excited state by a fast non-radiative process before it exhibits singlet emission to come to the ground state.     

A benzothizole-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ recognition utilizing ESIPT coupled AIE characteristics

A new benzothizole-based fluorescent probe 1 for Hg²⁺ recognition utilizing “ESIPT+AIE” strategy has been developed. In THF/H₂O (1:1, v/v, PBS 20 mM, pH = 8.5) mixed solution, probe 1 displays rapid fluorescence responses to Hg²⁺ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity through Hg²⁺-triggered releasing of a compound possessing “ESIPT+AIE” characteristics. Cell imaging investigations indicate that probe 1 is cell permeable with low toxicity to MCF-7 cells, and applicable to detect Hg²⁺ ions in living MCF-7 cells.     

Chromophoric thin film based on cellulose triacetate blends for sensing metal ions

Chromophoric sensors were made based on 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized onto a thin film of a polymer blend matrix. The thin films were made by the solution casting method using cellulose triacetate and polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) as plasticizer and pore-forming agent. Different contents of PEG 600 additive were investigated. The prepared films were characterized by FTIR and thermal analysis. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of different films were dependent on the content of PEG 600 with clear quenching of the fluorescence of the film that contains PEG 600 compared to that with zero content. This behavior was attributed to the collective effect of hydrogen bonding (intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding) that enhances the process of excited-state proton transfer. This result is favorable to a responsive sensor that shows fluorescence off in the absence of metal ions and fluorescence on upon metal ion chelation. The detection of 5 × 10⁻⁵ M of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺ and thallium (I) in aqueous solution has been observed with the fluorescence method. The result obtained is consistent with the enhancing effect of PEG 600 in the detectability of metal ions. Compared with the detection of Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺, the sensor shows better detection of thallium (I), with clear fluorescence spectra.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination of trace amount of gold after separation and preconcentration onto ion-exchange polyethylenimine coated on Al2O3

The object of this work is to develop a simple and selective method for efficient extraction of Au(III) ions in aqueous solution using a new solid-phase extraction sorbent. Polyethylenimine (PEI) ion-exchange polymer was coated on alumina in the presence of NaNO₃. The method is based on sorption of Au³⁺ ions on 50 mg PEI/Al₂O₃. A solution of 0.5 M thiourea, then 1.0 M HCl effectively eluted the gold ion and then aspirated into flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The influence of flow rate of sample solution and eluent, the pH effect, eluent type and sorption capacity was investigated. The effects of various diverse ions for preconcentration and separation of the gold ion were investigated. Relative standard deviation of 4.0 μg mL⁻¹ of gold was 1.46% (n = 10). The detection limit was 26.2 ng L⁻¹ in original solution. The method has been applied successfully for the recovery of trace amount of Au(III) ions from water samples.     

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence based on Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticles and graphene composite for analysis of melamine in milk

A sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for melamine analysis was fabricated based on Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped silica (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺@SiO₂) nanoparticles and graphene composite. Spherical Ru(bpy)₃²⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles with uniform size about 55 nm were prepared by the reverse microemulsion method. Since per Ru(bpy)₃²⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticle encapsulated a great deal of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, the ECL intensity has been greatly enhanced, which resulted in high sensitivity. Due to its extraordinary electric conductivity, graphene improved the conductivity and accelerated the electron transfer rate. In addition, graphene could work as electronic channel improving the efficient luminophor amount participating in the ECL reaction, which further enhanced the ECL signal. This proposed sensor was used to melamine analysis and the ECL intensity was proportional to logarithmic melamine concentration range from 1 × 10⁻¹³ M to 1 × 10⁻⁸ M with the detect limit as low as 1 × 10⁻¹³ M. In application to detect melamine in milk, satisfactory recoveries could be obtained, which indicated this sensor having potential application in melamine analysis in real samples.     

A family of dodecanuclear Mn11Ln single-molecule magnets

A series of four isostructural dodecanuclear complexes [Mn^III₉Mn^II₂Ln^III(O)₈(OH)(piv)₁₆(NO₃)(CH₃CN)]·xCH₃CN·yC₇H₁₆ (piv = pivalate; x = ½, y = ¾, Ln = Tb (1); x = 2, y = ½, Ln = Dy (2), Ho (3), and Y (4)) has been prepared for which the structural motif described as ‘a lanthanide ion nested in a large manganese shell’ is observed. All compounds show out-of-phase signals in their ac susceptibilities, and their single-molecule magnet behaviour was confirmed by single-crystal micro-SQUID studies of 1-3 which show hysteresis loops of molecular origin at T < 1.0 K. The SMM behaviour observed in compounds 1-3 is more pronounced than that for 4, which contains the diamagnetic Y^III ion. This is principally the result of ferromagnetic coupling between the paramagnetic anisotropic Ln^III ions (Tb^III, Dy^III and Ho^III) and the manganese shell, which enhances the total spin ground state of the complexes.     

A fluorescent sensor for Al3+ based on a photochromic diarylethene with a hydrazinobenzothiazole Schiff base unit

A new fluorescent turn-on chemosensor for Al³⁺ based on a diarylethene unit was designed and synthesized. Photochromism, fluorescence switch, and metal ion recognition behaviors of this diarylethene derivative were investigated by absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. It shows an outstanding fluorometric sensing ability toward Al³⁺ ion, and the detection limit was measured to be 9.3 × 10^?8 mol L^?1 via fluorescence methods. Based on these interesting properties, a combinational logic circuit was constructed successfully.