Dual-detection-window fluorescence probe for ultra-sensitive determination of Pb2+ based on emission-tunable B and N co-doped carbon dots

Abstract

In this work, 3-aminophenylboronic acid was used as the starting materials to construct boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots with tunable dual-emission intensity at 420 and 540 nm with different excitation at 360 and 500 nm, respectively. The dual-emission carbon dots sensor is employed for rapid and sensitive fluorescence-enhancing detection of Pb2+. Compared with previous reported methods, their method showed better linear ranges or detection limits. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of 0.9 nM for Pb2+ was reached with a wide range of 9 nM to 438 μM. The authors believe that the established method has more opportunities for application for other environmental targets.