A cationic organic dye based on coumarin fluorophore for the detection of N2H4 in water and gas

Abstract

Hydrazine is an important chemical reagent, which has been widely used in chemical industry. However, the extensive usage of N2H4 poses a potential threat to water and air safety due to its good water solubility, strong volatility and high toxicity. Therefore, the rapid and reliable detection of hydrazine is of great significance. In this work, a cationic organic dye (probe) based on coumarin fluorophore with double emission wavelength (λex =390 nm, λem = 650/450 nm) was developed successfully. In aqueous solution, this probe can reliably detect hydrazine in a broad concentration range (2.05–996 μM) and a wide acidity range (pH 5–11) by the ratio-type fluorescence signal (F450/F650), and the detection time is about 20 min. Besides, it is worth pointing out that the test papers prepared by impregnating the organic dye on ordinary filter paper can realize the visual detection of hydrazine in water, beverages and gas within 2 min, showing excellent specificity and wide practicability.