Original article
Carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide as an effective “on-off” fluorescence sensor for chromium (VI) detection

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpha.2021.04.004Get rights and content
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Highlights

Carbon dots was synthesized from alkaloid-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide, which used for Cr (VI) detection.

High sensitivity and selectivity detection of Cr(VI) based on internal filtering effect and static quenching mechanism.

The method analysis speed is quick, sensitive, raw materials for convenient, inexpensive.

The method has been applied to the determination of Cr(VI) in actual samples with satisfactory recovery.

Abstract

Chromium is a harmful contaminant showing mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Therefore, detection of chromium requires the development of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors. Herein, blue-fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method from alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide, which is green source, cheap and easy to obtain, and has no pharmacological activity due to low water solubility. These carbon quantum dots exhibit good fluorescence stability, water solubility, anti-interference and low cytotoxicity, and can be specifically combined with the detection of Cr(VI) to form a non-fluorescent complex that causes fluorescence quenching, so they can be used as a label-free nanosensor. High-sensitivity detection of Cr(VI) was achieved through internal filtering and static quenching effects. The fluorescence quenching degree of carbon dots fluorescent probe showed a good linear relationship with Cr(VI) concentration in the range of 1–100 μM. The linear equation was F0/F = 0.9942 + 0.01472 [Cr(VI)] (R2 = 0.9922), and the detection limit can be as low as 0.25 μM (S/N = 3), which has been successfully applied to Cr(VI) detection in actual water samples herein.

Keywords

Carbon dots
Alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide
Cr(VI) detection
Internal filtering effect
Static quenching effect

Peer review under responsibility of Xi'an Jiaotong University.