Polyacrylonitrile fluorescent nanofibers for selective and reversible copper detection in aqueous solutions

Cu 2+ contamination in drinking water poses a threat to humans and the environment, and high concentrations of Cu 2+ in human blood can induce disease. In recent years, fluorescence sensing of Cu 2+ prepared from rare earth elements has been widely used for the accurate detection and quantification of Cu 2+ . In this paper, we report that europium (Eu), 4,4′,4-trimethyltriphenylamine (TTA), and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) undergo a complexation reaction to form the Eu(TTA) 3 Phen complex, which is loaded on SiO 2 nanoparticle to form SiO 2 @Eu 3+ . We use electrospinning of SiO 2 @Eu 3+ and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) co-blended solutions to prepare PAN fluorescent nanofiber membranes (FPNM). FPNM are hydrolyzed hydrolysis to obtain Cu 2+ sensors (HFPNM). The super hydrophilic surface of HFPNM undergoes fluorescence quenching upon contact with Cu 2+ . HFPNM is capable of accurately detecting 100–1000 nmol/L of Cu 2+ . Moreover, EDTA can be used as a reversible on/off switch for detection, and HFPNM can still be used as a Cu 2+ sensor after 5 cycles of use. The HFPNM have the advantages of high detection sensitivity and environmental friendliness for recycling compared to other Cu 2+ sensors. Fluorescent nanofibers can be combined with bio-nanotechnology allowing for promising future applications in Cu 2+ detection and wearable smart fabrics.