Graphene Quantum Dot Embedded Hydrogel for Dissolved Iron Sensing. Issue 33 (30th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pincher, Daniel W. M.; Bader, Christie A.; Hayball, John D.; Plush, Sally E.; Sweetman, Martin J.
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 4:Issue 33(2019)
• Page Start: 9640
• Page End: 9646
• Publication Date: 2019-08-30
• Subjects: graphene quantum dot -- hydrogel -- iron -- sensor -- water; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.201901779
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: A robust and accurate chemical sensor for dissolved iron has been developed, based on highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This work describes the construction of a GQD embedded hydrogel that displays strong fluorescence emission from the bulk structure. The hydrogel is made from poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and crosslinked by ethylene glycol dimethacrylate to form a water permeable, flexible and transparent material. Polymerisation in the presence of the GQDs physically entraps the fluorescent nanoparticles within the hydrogel. The fluorescence properties of the GQD‐pHEMA hydrogels have been thoroughly characterised, including by confocal microscopy in the first reported use of this technique for a GQD composite material. Sensing of dissolved Fe(III) by the GQD‐pHEMA hydrogels has been demonstrated, whereby the Fe(III) quenches the GQDs fluorescence emission. The GQD‐pHEMA hydrogels were selective to Fe(III) and showed a linear response for concentrations in the range of 10–200 μM. Abstract : A freestanding graphene quantum dot embedded hydrogel has been developed for the fluorometric detection of iron from municipal reticulated water. Iron sensing is rapid and selective, while the hydrogel provides a robust sensing platform. This is the first demonstration of metal ion sensing by a graphene quantum dot embedded hydrogel.