Highly selective and sensitive detection of catechol by one step synthesized highly fluorescent and water-soluble silicon nanoparticles

Because the chemical properties and structures of catechol and its analogues (hydroquinone and resorcinol) are similar, it still is a great challenge to detect catechol from other hydroxybenzene isomers with high accuracy and reliability. Herein, a selective and sensitive method based on the water soluble silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) was established for catechol detection, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time using Si NPs for catechol measurement. The synthesis of Si NPs was very cheap and simple, no time-consuming, and no need for high temperature processing, or special instrument. The as-synthesized Si NPs, with high salt and temperature stabilities emitted yellow-green fluorescence (540 nm). A good linear relationship was observed from 0.06 to 40 μM and the limit of detection (based on 3 s / k ) was calculated as 20 nM, and the sensor displayed a significant selectivity toward catechol over other dihydroxybenzene isomers. Moreover, the Si NPs were applied in tap water, human serum samples and Yellow River water for catechol measurement.