Fluorescence Determination of Ni2+ Ions Based on a Novel Nano-Platform Derived from Silicon Quantum Dots

Quantum dots generate unique luminescent and chemical properties due to the ultra-small particle sizes. In this contribution, a novel silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs)-based platform has been established via (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APS) and ascorbic acid (AA) as raw materials within only 30 min. A switched off effect has been achieved for the determination of Ni2+ ions and the strategy has been simply realized by recording the luminescence changes in the green band of Si-NPs. This developed approach possesses a variety of merits such as label free, low cost, easy post-treatment and convenient operations. The linear equation range is yielded between 0 and 20 μM with the detection limit of 1.73 μM. The nano-sensor provides a versatile route for the monitoring of mercury ions in practical environments.