Efficient “turn-on” nanosensor by dual emission-quenching mechanism of functionalized Se doped ZnO nanorods for mercury (II) detection

摘要: Mercury, a highly toxic contaminant is detrimental environmental pollutant that causes severe health problems in human beings and developing an economical, rapid, efficient technique for determination of Hg2+ ions at low concentrations remains challenge. Herein, we report the preparation application orange-red luminescent Se doped ZnO nanorods (NRs), by mechanothermal method, was coated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA), chelating ligand to detect mercury because strong affinity –SH functionality. The formation nanosensor MPA confirmed presence S2p3/2 peak 162.7 eV, absence stretching bond 2566 cm−1 reduction crystalline nature from XPS, FTIR XRD techniques, respectively. In ions, 3MPA–Se nanoprobe show turn-on (restoration) photoluminescence over dual emission-quenching phenomenon owing increased zeta potential (− 17.06 mV) anti-aggregation effect induced rapidly separated 3MPA surface ligands bound selenium within 30 s. Additionally, linear fit (PL) spectrum various provide compelling evidence emission (R2 = 0.990) quenching (R2 = 0.888) mechanism which support our proposed mechanism. Therefore, this “turn-on” MPA-coated employed selective detection lowest limit concentration 1 pM. These results demonstrate direct, rapid effective approach using will offer great monitoring environment healthcare applications.