Rhodamine 6G derivative for the selective copper detection and remediation using nanoporous diatomaceous earth-engineered functional receptor
Padmaja V. Mane,
Pravin Patil,
Anusha A. Mahishi,
Madhuprasad Kigga,
Mahesh P. Bhat,
Kyeong-Hwan Lee,
Mahaveer Kurkuri
Affiliations
Padmaja V. Mane
Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India
Pravin Patil
Post-Graduate Department of Studies and Research in Chemistry, K. L. E. Society’s, P. C. Jabin Science College, Vidyanagar 580031, Hubballi, Karnataka, India
Anusha A. Mahishi
Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India
Madhuprasad Kigga
Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India
Mahesh P. Bhat
Agricultural Automation Research Centre, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea; Corresponding author.
Kyeong-Hwan Lee
Agricultural Automation Research Centre, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea; Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; BK21 Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; Corresponding author. Agricultural Automation Research Centre, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
Mahaveer Kurkuri
Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India; Corresponding author. Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru 562112, Karnataka, India
A rhodamine-derived receptor was synthesized and comprehensively characterized for structural confirmation. The receptor was able to distinguish the copper ions (Cu2+) from other competing cations. The yellow color of the receptor changed to pink upon adding Cu2+ ions, however, other competing cations ions were impotent towards any color variation. The UV–visible titration studies revealed the binding stoichiometry of a 1:1 ratio with a detection limit of 9.663 × 10−8 M. Additionally, a novel idea of the work resides in the use of diatom for the practical application, where the receptor has been tethered on nanoporous diatomaceous earth microparticles (P2D) to remove Cu2+ ions. The results confirmed that 50 mg receptor functionalized DE could adsorb 10 mL of 1 ppm Cu2+ ions from water. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept device that is inexpensive, simple to operate, and continuously removes Cu2+ ions from water has been developed. The efficiency of the device in Cu2+ ion removal could be realized through the naked eye by observing the color change of P2D particles, which has excellent potential for application in remote locations where water contamination is a significant issue.
