Chitosan passivated carbon nanodots (C-Dots CHIT) were synthesized from expired molasses via a simple and green thermal synthesis procedure. As-synthesized C-Dots were nitrogen-doped (NC-Dots CHIT) by posttreatment with liquid ammonia and used as nanoprobes for fluorometric detection of mercury ions (Hg(II) aq.). Fluorescence response of NC-Dots CHIT in the presence of mercury was evaluated and compared with that of the polyethylene glycol passivated C-Dots P EG . This sensing strategy using NC-Dots CHIT displayed a wide linear working range from µg/mL to µg/mL with a detection limit of µg/mL. The fluorescence of C-Dots P EG did not show any significant change upon mercury addition. |
