Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots Obtained from Graphene Foams used for Highly Selective Detection of Hg2+ in Real Samples.

MAURICIO LLAVER; BARRIONUEVO, SANTIAGO; WUILLOUD, RODOLFO G; FRANCISCO J. IBAÑEZ

ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2022

0003-2670

Here we report the use of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), obtained from 3D graphene foam, functionalized with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg 2+ via front-face fluorescence. The great surface area and active groups within the GQDs permitted the functionalization with 8-HQ to increase its selectivity toward the analyte of interest. The fluorescence probe follows the Stern-Volmer model, yielding a direct relationship between the degree of quenching and the concentration of the analyte. Diverse parameters, including the pH and the use of masking agents, were optimized in order to improve the selectivity toward Hg 2+down to a limit of detection of 2.4 nmol L -1 . It is hereby demonstrated that the functionalized GQDs work perfectly fine under adverse conditions such as acidic pH and in the presence of a large number of cationic and anionic interferences for the detection of Hg 2+ in real samples. Parallel measurements using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry also demonstrated an excellent correlation with the frontface fluorescence method applied here for real samples including tap, river,underground, and dam waters.