High quantum yield aminophenylboronic acid-functionalized N-doped carbon dots for highly selective hypochlorite ion detection

High quantum yield 3-aminophenylboronic acid-functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon dots (GAAP-CDs) were fabricated using a simple hydrothermal route and used as a sensing probe for toxic hypochlorite (ClO−). The as-synthesized GAAP-CDs showed absorption peaks at 252, 297, and 370 nm and an emission peak at 375 nm with an excitation wavelength of 310 nm. The quantum yield of GAAP-CDs reached 58.28%, with no noticeable fluorescence change observed under high ionic strength conditions and a three-month long-term test. GAAP-CDs-based ClO− sensing was carried out by UV−vis absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy; the detection limit was as low as 0.77 μM (linear range of 0–100 μM), and 0.50 μM (linear range of 0.1–100 μM), respectively. In addition, the as-synthesized GAAP-CDs showed excellent selectivity towards ClO− ions in the presence of various interfering chemicals. The satisfactory results from the proposed method of ClO− detection in tap water and drinking water samples, suggesting promising application of GAAP-CDs for ClO− detection.