Open AccessSensitive detection of copper ions via ion-responsive fluorescence quenching of engineered porous silicon nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Jangsun Hwang,
Mintai P. Hwang,
Moonhyun Choi,
Youngmin Seo,
Yeonho Jo,
Jaewoo Son,
Jinkee Hong,
Jonghoon Choi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep35565
Subject(s) - porous silicon , quenching (fluorescence) , materials science , nanoparticle , fluorescence , copper , nanotechnology , silicon , wafer , etching (microfabrication) , aqueous solution , metal ions in aqueous solution , chemical engineering , layer (electronics) , chemistry , metal , optoelectronics , organic chemistry , metallurgy , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics
Heavy metal pollution has been a problem since the advent of modern transportation, which despite efforts to curb emissions, continues to play a critical role in environmental pollution. Copper ions (Cu 2+ ), in particular, are one of the more prevalent metals that have widespread detrimental ramifications. From this perspective, a simple and inexpensive method of detecting Cu 2+ at the micromolar level would be highly desirable. In this study, we use porous silicon nanoparticles (NPs), obtained via anodic etching of Si wafers, as a basis for undecylenic acid (UDA)- or acrylic acid (AA)-mediated hydrosilylation. The resulting alkyl-terminated porous silicon nanoparticles (APS NPs) have enhanced fluorescence stability and intensity, and importantly, exhibit [Cu 2+ ]-dependent quenching of fluorescence. After determining various aqueous sensing conditions for Cu 2+ , we demonstrate the use of APS NPs in two separate applications – a standard well-based paper kit and a portable layer-by-layer stick kit. Collectively, we demonstrate the potential of APS NPs in sensors for the effective detection of Cu 2+ .