Determination of Copper Ion in Drinking Water Using Poly(vinyl alcohol)/3-Mercaptopropionic Acid-Capped InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Fluorescent Film

Abstract

PVA/MPA-InP/ZnS QD fluorescent film for rapid detection of trace Cu2+ was developed using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped InP/ZnS quantum dots (MPA-InP/ZnS QDs) as the fluorescence-sensitive material and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate. The microstructure, optical properties and mechanical properties of the fluorescent film were characterized. The results showed that PVA interacted with MPA-InP/ZnS QDs through hydrogen bonds. The fluorescence intensity of the film was significantly correlated with Cu2+ concentration in the range of 0–1 000 nmol/L (R2 = 0.95). The limit of detection (LOD) for Cu2+ was 23 nmol/L, and the response time was 6 minutes. Finally, the film was applied to the detection of trace Cu2+ in drinking water, beverages and alcoholic drinks with the advantages of high selectivity, rapid response and good portability, which exhibited a broad application prospect.

Keywords

• copper ion; fluorescent film; quantum dots; drinking water; rapid detection