Eu(III) complex coated carbon sphere core-shell material for fluorescence detection, catalytic reduction and real-time monitoring of nitrophenol compounds

Abstract In this work, we rationally designed an integrated system that fixed the Eu-L complexes on the surface of functionalized carbon spheres through electrostatic adsorption as a new type of catalyst. The catalyst CS@Eu-L can realize fluorescence sensing, in-situ removing and real-time monitoring of nitrophenols compounds (NPCs). CS@Eu-L can detect 4-NP in aqueous solution with high sensitivity (Ksv = 4.1 × 104 M−1). At the same time, CS@Eu-L can also act as a catalyst to reduce 4-NP to 4-AP with an apparent reaction rate of 5.92 × 10-3 s−1. Furthermore, the mechanism for the selective sensing of NPCs was also explored and explained by energy competition between NPCs and Eu(III). Moreover, CS@Eu-L has good fluorescence sensing and catalytic cycle stability. It is worth mentioning that the multiple functions of CS@Eu-L are aimed at the same target compound. CS@Eu-L is expected to provide a possible means for sustainable green catalysts in wastewater detection and treatment.