Silver clusters based sensor for Low content formaldehyde detection in colorimetric and fluorometric dual Mode

Abstract Formaldehyde is harmful to human health and can cause carcinogenic, central nervous system injury and skin allergies. Formaldehyde sensor with fast detection and low limit of detection (LOD) is highly desirable. Herein we report a strong green emitting material by heating the silver-exchanged zeolites of faujasite Y type (FAUY) under a mild condition of 60 °C, originating from silver clusters (Ag CLs), which can be used as an effective sensor for detecting formaldehyde via colorimetric and fluorometric dual mode. The LOD meets with World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible limit, showing a prospect for the formaldehyde sensing.