A new AgTe0.08S1.67 QDs-based fluorescence sensing platform for rapidly detect UO22+ in water environment

Background Uranium is a vital element in energy and military applications but poses significant environmental and health risks due to its toxicity, radioactivity, and long half-life. During its use, uranium waste is released into the environment, often in the form of uranyl ions (UO 2 2+ )—the most stable and water-soluble uranium species. These ions can contaminate water sources, threatening both ecosystem safety and human health. Thus, developing rapid and sensitive methods for detecting UO 2 2+ in aquatic environments is crucial for ensuring water security and public health. Results In this study, water-phase tellurium-doped silver sulfide quantum dots (AgTe 0 . 08 S 1.67 QDs) were synthesized using a simple and rapid one-pot method. It exhibits monodisperse spherical morphology, with a uniform average particle size of 1.92 nm. Additionally, Te doping significantly improved the fluorescence performance of this material. UO 2 2+ can quickly quench the fluorescence of AgTe 0 . 08 S 1.67 QDs, with a quench time as low as 1 min. The quenching mechanism is primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of electrostatic interaction and electron transfer. Meanwhile, Te doping provided binding sites and increased the electron transfer efficiency from the O and N atoms of AgTe 0 . 08 S 1.67 QDs to the UO 2 2+ . Using this QDs as a fluorescent probe to detect UO 2 2+ , the detection limit was 3.65 nM, which is better than most fluorescent probes reported in the literature. Significance A new fluorescence sensor based on AgTe 0 . 08 S 1.67 QDs was successfully developed and used to rapidly detect UO 2 2+ with high sensitivity. This method was also successfully applied to detect UO 2 2+ in lake water, river water and seawater, offering a new approach for the rapid detection of uranium pollutants in environmental water.