A Simple Discriminating p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Thiospirolactam Rhodamine B Based Colorimetric and Fluorescence Sensor for Mercury Ion and Live Cell Imaging Applications

A photoluminescent and electrochemiluminescent probe based on an iridium(III) complex with a boronic acid-functionalised ancillary ligand for the selective detection of mercury(II) ions

Exposure to mercury(II) ions (Hg2+) can cause various diseases such as Minamata disease, acrodynia, Alzheimer's disease, and Hunter-Russell syndrome, and even organ damage. Therefore, real-time and accurate monitoring of Hg2+ in environmental samples is crucial. In this study, we report a photoluminescent (PL) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe based on a cyclometalated Ir(III) complex for the selective detection of Hg2+. The introduction of a reaction site, o-aminomethylphenylboronic acid, on the ancillary ligands allowed a prompt transmetalation reaction to take place between Hg2+ and boronic acid. This reaction resulted in significant decreases of the PL and ECL signals due to the photo-induced electron transfer from the Ir(III) complex to the Hg2+ ions. The probe was applied to the selective detection of Hg2+, and the signal changes revealed a linear correlation with Hg2+ concentrations in the range of 0-10 μM (LOD = 0.72 μM for PL, 8.03 nM for ECL). The designed probe allowed the successful quantification of Hg2+ in tap water samples, which proves its potential for the selective detection of Hg2+ in environmental samples.

Recovery of spent VOSO4 using an organic ligand for vanadium redox flow battery applications

To recover the spent vanadium compound, Rhodamine-B-based Schiff's base ligand (L₁) was synthesized via ultrasonication process and was evaluated with vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄), which has shown considerable selectivity towards V(IV). The change of the solution color from colorless to pink is attributed to L₁ after the reaction with vanadium ion owing to the successful formation of the vanadium complex and the opening of the spirolactam ring in the L₁ structure. In FT-IR spectra, the vanadyl peaks are co-existed with the L₁ structure, which confirmed the complex formation of the L₁ with vanadium. Similarly, the binding energy of V(IV) was identified at 516.2 eV for V2p_3/2 in XPS spectra. The new strategy for VOSO₄ recovery was established through solvent extraction and acid leaching. After recovery process, the absence of vanadium peak in the XPS confirmed the complete removal of V(IV) from the complex. The recovered VOSO₄ solution used as an electrolyte in vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) systems, where the unit cell performance is comparable with the conventional electrolyte solution. The advantage of study is reuse of VOSO₄ as a resource for energy storage applications.

Copillar[5]arene-rhodamine conjugate as a selective sensor for Hg2+ ions

A new copillar[5]arene-coupled rhodamine probe 1 shows selective sensing of Hg²⁺ ions over a series of metal ions in CH₃CN by exhibiting color change of the solution as well as turn on fluorescence. It also shows interaction with Cu²⁺ by exhibiting different color and spectral change. Tetrabutylammonium iodide distinguishes between Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions.

Biosynthesized Highly Stable Au/C Nanodots: Ideal Probes for the Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg2+ Ions

The enormous ongoing industrial development has caused serious water pollution which has become a major crisis, particularly in developing countries. Among the various water pollutants, non-biodegradable heavy metal ions are the most prevalent. Thus, trace-level detection of these metal ions using a simple technique is essential. To address this issue, we have developed a fluorescent probe of Au/C nanodots (GCNDs-gold carbon nanodots) using an eco-friendly method based on an extract from waste onion leaves (Allium cepa-red onions). The leaves are rich in many flavonoids, playing a vital role in the formation of GCNDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Scanning transmission electron microscopy-Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) elemental mapping clearly indicated that the newly synthesized materials are approximately 2 nm in size. The resulting GCNDs exhibited a strong orange fluorescence with excitation at 380 nm and emission at 610 nm. The GCNDs were applied as a fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ ions. They can detect ultra-trace concentrations of Hg2+ with a detection limit of 1.3 nM. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results facilitated the identification of a clear detection mechanism. We also used the new probe on a real river water sample. The newly developed sensor is highly stable with a strong fluorescent property and can be used for various applications such as in catalysis and biomedicine.