N-doped molybdenum oxide quantum dots as fluorescent probes for the quantitative detection of copper ions in environmental samples

Abstract

A novel, sensitive, and selective fluorescence sensor based on N-doped Mo oxide quantum dots (N-MoOx QDs) was fabricated for the detection of Cu²⁺ ions in water. The presence of Cu²⁺ induced dynamic fluorescence quenching of the N-MoOx QDs. The sensing conditions were optimized to enhance selectivity and sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, the linear relationship between fluorescence response at 408 nm and Cu²⁺ concentration was determined. The linear range of this relationship was 1–100 μM. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for Cu²⁺ were 0.78 μM and 2.34 μM, respectively. The method was successfully applied to detect Cu²⁺ in water samples with satisfactory sample recovery rates from 91.7 to 116.4%. The sensor exhibits high selectivity toward Cu²⁺, making it useful for environmental sample monitoring.