Fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of p-nitrophenol based on Cu-doped carbon dots

Abstract In this study, we presented a facile strategy to synthesis Cu-doped carbon dots (Cu-CDs) through one-step hydrothermal approach using CuCl2·2H2O and ethanediamine as reaction precursor. Interestingly, the fluorescence of Cu-CDs can be quenched greatly in the presence of p-nitrophenol. Thus, a high selectivity and sensitivity fluorescent sensing platform is constructed for the detection of p-nitrophenol on account of the inner filter effect. Under the optimal condition, the linear detection range is 0.5–50 μM with the detection limit of 0.08 μM (S/N = 3). This method is successfully applied in quantification of p-nitrophenol in lake water samples, which exhibits potential application prospect.