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Calcium-modified carbon dots derived from polyethylene glycol: fluorescence-based detection of Trifluralin herbicide

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Abstract

In this work, fluorescent carbon dots were synthesized from polyethylene glycol. The carbon dots are of sizes below 10 nm as confirmed through dynamic light scattering studies and transmission electron microscope images. Carbon dot was further conjugated with Ca2+ to form metal-ion-conjugated polyethylene glycol carbon dot. The metal-ion-conjugated polyethylene glycol carbon dot exhibits enhanced photoluminescence properties. Fluorescence of the Ca-modified carbon dots was quenched in the presence of Trifluralin. The practical utility of the system was demonstrated by using it to detect Trifluralin contaminated soil sample. Also, an array of sensor plates prepared using the drop-casting method on glass plates showed visual changes in fluorescence in the presence of Trifluralin. Development of such fluorescent-based detection system will lead to visual detection kits for detecting herbicides in general.

Graphical Abstract

We developed a fluorescent-based metal conjugated polyethylene glycol carbon dot (Ca-PEG-CD) that was used to detect Trifluralin herbicide.

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Acknowledgements

JG wants to thank IASST for fellowship.

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  1. Material Nanochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, Assam, 7810 35, India

    Jahnabi Gogoi & Devasish Chowdhury

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  1. Jahnabi Gogoi
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  2. Devasish Chowdhury
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Correspondence to Devasish Chowdhury.

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Gogoi, J., Chowdhury, D. Calcium-modified carbon dots derived from polyethylene glycol: fluorescence-based detection of Trifluralin herbicide. J Mater Sci 55, 11597–11608 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-04839-5

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