Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of N, S Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Fluorescent Sensing of Fe(III) and Hydroquinone in Water and Cell Imaging
Zhaochuan Yu,
Chao Deng,
Wenhui Ma,
Yuqian Liu,
Chao Liu,
Tingwei Zhang,
Huining Xiao
Affiliations
Zhaochuan Yu
International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Chao Deng
International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Wenhui Ma
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
Yuqian Liu
International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Chao Liu
International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Tingwei Zhang
International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials and Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Huining Xiao
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
The detection of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from water sources remains critical challenges due to their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Herein, a nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dot (NS-CQDs) fluorescent sensor was developed using a microwave-assisted carbonization method for the detection of Fe3+ ions and hydroquinone (HQ) in aqueous solutions. NS-CQDs exhibit excellent optical properties, enabling sensitive detection of Fe3+ and HQ, with detection limits as low as 3.40 and 0.96 μM. Notably, with the alternating introduction of Fe3+ and HQ, NS-CQDs exhibit significant fluorescence (FL) quenching and recovery properties. Based on this property, a reliable “on-off-on” detection mechanism was established, enabling continuous and reversible detection of Fe3+ and HQ. Furthermore, the low cytotoxicity of NS-CQDs was confirmed through successful imaging of HeLa cells, indicating their potential for real-time intracellular detection of Fe3+ and HQ. This work not only provides a green and rapid synthesis strategy for CQDs but also highlights their versatility as fluorescent probes for environmental monitoring and bioimaging applications.
