Europium(iii) complex-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle as a chemosensor for ultrasensitive detection and removal of copper(ii) from aqueous solution

Ultrasensitive, accurate detection and separation of heavy metal ions is very important in environmental monitoring and biological detection. In this paper, a highly sensitive and specific detection method for Cu2+ based on the fluorescence quenching of a europium(III) hybrid magnetic nanoprobe is presented. This nanoprobe can detect Cu2+ over a wide pH range (5.0–10.0) with a detection limit as low as 0.1 nM and it can be used for detecting Cu2+ in living cells. After the magnetic separation, the Cu2+ concentration decreased to 1.18 ppm, which is less than the US EPA drinking water standard (1.3 ppm), and more than 70% Cu2+ could be removed when the amount of nanocomposite 1 reached 1 mg.