Cellulose-based fluorescent probe for the specific detection and adsorption of Cu2+

A new cellulose-based fluorescent probe for highly sensitive detection and adsorption of Cu 2+ was designed. • Fluorescence quenching occurred after binding to Cu 2+ through N Cu coordination with detection limit of 1.142 μM. • Combined with smartphone RGB imaging technology, the visual quantitative analysis of Cu 2+ in water was realized. • Fluorescent aerogel exhibits a maximum adsorption capacity of 83.264 mg/g for Cu 2+ . Developing new fluorescent probes for highly sensitive detection and adsorption of Cu 2+ has important research value and broad application prospects. In this work, based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a cellulose-based naphthalimide fluorescent probe MNFP and a fluorescent aerogel MN-TCP were successfully constructed by amination modification and grafting of fluorescent molecules, which were used for the specific detection and efficient removal of Cu 2+ in water. MNFP showed yellow-green fluorescence in water, and fluorescence quenching occurred after binding to Cu 2+ through N Cu coordination. The detection limit was 1.142 μM, the response time was about 140 s, and the stability was good in the range of pH 5–10. Combined with smartphone RGB imaging technology, the visual quantitative analysis of Cu 2+ in water was realized. On this basis, a fluorescent aerogel MN-TCP with both detection and adsorption functions was constructed, which realized the specific recognition and efficient removal of Cu 2+ in water, and could be visually detected by color change and fluorescence dual signals. The material integrates high selective detection, high removal rate and visualization functions, and provides a green and efficient new solution for simultaneous monitoring and treatment of Cu 2+ in water. Download: Download high-res image (281KB) Download: Download full-size image