A novel phosphorescence sensor for Co2+ ion based on Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots

N -acetyl- l -cysteine-capped Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by hydrothermal methods. It could emit phosphorescence at 583 nm with the excitation wavelength at 315 nm. The phosphorescence intensity of QDs could be quenched dramatically by increasing the concentration of Co 2+ ion. The novel phosphorescence sensor based on N -acetyl- l -cysteine-capped QDs was developed for detecting Co 2+ ion with a linear dynamic range of 1.25 × 10 –6 –3.25 × 10 –5 m . The limit of detection and RSD were 6.0 × 10 –8 m and 2.3%, respectively. Interference experiments showed excellent selectivity over numerous cations such as alkali, alkaline earth and transitional metal ions. The possible quenching mechanism was also examined by phosphorescence decays. The proposed phosphorescence method was further applied to the trace determination of Co 2+ ion in tap and pond water samples with recoveries of 97.75–103.32%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.