A dual-emitting quantum dot complex nanoprobe for ratiometric and visual detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions

Abstract

Herein, we report the use of a dual emitting quantum dot complex (QDC; composed of a blue emitting metal-methylsalicylaldimine complex on the surface of an orange emitting Mn²⁺-doped ZnS quantum dot) for ratiometric and visual detection of Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions – following the alterations in luminescence color, intensity ratio, chromaticity and hue of the QDC.