A highly selective fluorescent probe based on multi-binding site hydrazone chemosensor for Al3+ detection

Many Al3+ sensors have been reported in the literature, the lack of spectral features and poor coordination of Al3+ pose a significant challenge to detection. Herein, the design and synthesis of a Schiff's base (HL) sensor is reported, which exhibits a turn-on response to Al3+ in an aqueous solution, and the fluorescence color of HL from light green to cyan upon the addition of Al3+. The limit of detection (LOD) for Al3+ was determined to be 2.20 x 10−8 M. The mechanism for fluorescence sensing was revealed through the analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, DFT, and UV–vis absorption spectra. HL gradually coordinated with Al3+ during the titration process, leading to the formation of HL-Al crystals. The outcome of this study resulted in the successful preparation and application of flexible and foldable films for visual detection of Al3+.