ABSTRACT
A rhodamine-derived receptor was synthesized and comprehensively characterized for structural confirmation. The receptor was able to distinguish the copper ions (Cu2+) from other competing cations. The yellow color of the receptor changed to pink upon adding Cu2+ ions, however, other competing cations ions were impotent towards any color variation. The UV-visible titration studies revealed the binding stoichiometry of a 1:1 ratio with a detection limit of 9.663 × 10-8 M. Additionally, a novel idea of the work resides in the use of diatom for the practical application, where the receptor has been tethered on nanoporous diatomaceous earth microparticles (P2D) to remove Cu2+ ions. The results confirmed that 50 mg receptor functionalized DE could adsorb 10 mL of 1 ppm Cu2+ ions from water. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept device that is inexpensive, simple to operate, and continuously removes Cu2+ ions from water has been developed. The efficiency of the device in Cu2+ ion removal could be realized through the naked eye by observing the color change of P2D particles, which has excellent potential for application in remote locations where water contamination is a significant issue.
ABSTRACT
A Schiff base receptor with an active -NH group was designed and synthesized for the selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of inorganic fluoride (F-) ions in an aqueous medium. The sensitivity of the receptor for F- ions was enhanced by the influence of two electron-withdrawing -NO2 groups at ortho and para positions which result in a vivid color change. The receptor underwent a remarkable color change from light yellow to violet, enabling naked-eye detection of F- ions without the need for spectroscopic equipment. To ensure the structural integrity of the synthesized receptors, prominent spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, FTIR, and GCMS analysis were used for characterization. With a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.0996 ppm, a 1 : 2 stoichiometric binding ratio was observed for receptor and F- ions. The binding mechanism confirmed the deprotonation of the -NH group followed by the formation of -HF2, resulting in an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transition, which correlates with UV-vis and 1H NMR titration results. In addition, the proposed binding mechanism of F- ion interaction with the receptor was theoretically validated using DFT and TDDFT calculations. Furthermore, as a real-life implementation of the receptor, quantification of the F- ions present in a commercially available mouthwash was demonstrated. To assess the sensitivity performance, a paper-based dip sensor and a solid substrate sensor by functionalizing the receptor on diatomaceous earth were demonstrated. Finally, sensors were built into smartphones that could recognize the red, green, and blue percentages (RGB%) where each parameter defines the intensity of the color, which could also be used as a supplement to the colorimetric investigations.
ABSTRACT
A PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic channel coupled with UV-vis fibre-optic spectrometer and new synthesized colorimetric probe was integrated into an optofluidic based Lab-on-a-chip device for highly sensitive and real-time quantitative measurements of fluoride ions (F¯). An 'S' shaped microchannel in a microfluidic device was designed to act as microreactor to facilitate the continuous reaction between synthetized colorimetric probe (sensor) and F¯ ions. Following this reaction, the UV-vis optical probe in the downstream detection zone of the microfluidic device was used to capture their spectrum and present as F¯ concentration in real-time conditions. An initial study of the developed colorimetric probe with multi-colour change with several binding and chromophore groups such as -OH, -NH and -NO2 groups confirmed its high sensitivity and selectivity for F¯ ions with a detection limit of 0.79 ppm. The performance of the developed optofluidic device was evaluated for the selective, sensitive detection of F¯ ions including real samples out-performing conventional methods. The technology has advantages such as low sample consumption, rapid analysis, high sensitivity and portability. Presented new Lab-on-a-chip device provides many competitive advantages for the real-time analysis of F¯ ions needed across broad sectors.
Subject(s)
Fluorides , Lab-On-A-Chip Devices , Colorimetry , MicrofluidicsABSTRACT
Computers have become smarter, smaller, and more efficient due to the downscaling of silicon-based components. Top-down miniaturisation of silicon-based computer components is fast reaching its limitations because of physical constraints and economical non-feasibility. Therefore, the possibility of a bottom-up approach that uses molecules to build nano-sized devices has been initiated. As a result, molecular logic gates based on chemical inputs and measurable optical outputs have captured significant attention very recently. In addition, it would be interesting if such molecular logic gates could be developed by making use of ion sensors, which can give significantly sensitive output information. This review provides a brief introduction to anion receptors, molecular logic gates, a comprehensive review on describing recent advances and progress on development of ion receptors for molecular logic gates, and a brief idea about the application of molecular logic gates.
