ZnTe quantum dots as fluorescence sensors for the detection of iron ions

Colloidal mercaptoacetic acid capped ZnTe quantum dots (QDs) are prepared to target iron ions as a fluorescence sensor. The results show that the obtained QDs present excellent selectivity for the detection of Fe3+ and display a good linearity from 2.0 × 10− 6 to 1.0 × 10− 4 mol L− 1. The optimum fluorescence intensity for detecting Fe3+ is found in a buffer (pH 7.0) at 25 °C. The detection limitation of Fe3+ ions is 4.89 × 10− 6 mol L− 1 under optimized conditions. The quenching rate constant Kq (1.24 × 1013 L mol− 1 s− 1) is calculated and confirmed to describe a static quenching procedure. Moreover, the obtained probes are used to detect Fe3+ ions in lake water samples, showing perspectives of environmental determination for future research.