L-Histidine Stabilized Copper Nanoclusters as a Fluorescence Probe for Determination of Fluazinam

In this contribution, a one-pot synthesis method possessing the advantages of simple, green and low-cost had been researched for the preparation of L-histidine-stabilized Cu nanoclusters (Cu NCs). Subsequently, the structure and optical properties of as-prepared Cu NCs were studied by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. TEM image of the Cu NCs showed high dispersion with an average diameter of 2.0[Formula: see text]nm. Fluorescence spectrum displayed that the Cu NCs emitted green fluorescence (emission wavelength of 492[Formula: see text]nm) under excitation wavelength of 393[Formula: see text]nm. Moreover, the as-synthesized Cu NCs illustrated excellent performances, such as good water solubility, UV stability and high-salt resistance. Interestingly, the fluorescence intensity of as-prepared Cu NCs was obviously quenched in the presence of fluazinam. Under optimal conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity was linear with the fluazinam concentrations from 1 to 40[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, with a detection limit of 0.25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. Eventually, the fluorescence sensor was successfully used to determine fluazinam in real water samples.