Detection of silver cation based on phenothiazine derivative probe

Abstract

In this work, a novel probe 1 has been prepared via two-step reaction from o-phenylenediamine. The recognition properties of probe 1 for different metal ions in DMF solution were investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The color of the solution changed from light yellow to light purple, then became brown after half an hour when Ag[Formula: see text] was added to the DMF solution of probe 1. Ag[Formula: see text] can also be easily and quickly identified by using the test strips prepared. 1 has also high selectivity and sensitivity for Ag[Formula: see text] even in the presence of other metal ions. After adding Ag[Formula: see text], the fluorescence quenching appeared and the lowest detection limit of Ag[Formula: see text] is 2.90 [Formula: see text]M. Furthermore, the 1H NMR test and density functional theory calculation have verified the sensing behavior mechanism. The detection of silver cation provided here is rapid and effective, and it is a beneficial exploration for the development of high efficiency ion sensors.