Diethylamine fluorescence sensor based on silica hollow sphere photonic crystals

Abstract

In this study, based on silica hollow sphere photonic crystals (SHSPCs), a simple and selective fluorescence sensor for high-performance diethylamine detection was developed. The sensor does not involve complicated integration of arrays or tedious synthetic work. During the detection, the SHSPCs could significantly enhance the fluorescence intensity of rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), and meanwhile, adsorb some Rh6G on their surface. Due to the competitive adsorption, diethylamine could free the Rh6G which was adsorbed on the surface of the SHSPCs, thus enhancing the fluorescence emission intensity with the increase of Rh6G concentration. The second enhancement of the fluorescence emission enabled the selective detection of diethylamine. It is remarkable that a simple and readily available dye (Rh6G) facilitates the efficient detection of diethylamine. Moreover, the sensor has good interference immunity, stability and reusability.