Selective determination of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol by using a novel carbon nanoparticles as a fluorescent probe in real sample.

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP) is widely used in our daily life; however, excessive use of TNP can lead to a large number of diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to find an effective method to detect TNP. Herein, the rapid fluorescence quenching by TNP was developed for the fluorometric determination of TNP in aqueous medium based on the internal filter effect. Nitrogen-sulfur–codoped carbon nanoparticles (N,S-CNPs), synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method with the precursors of l-cysteine and citric acid, were applied for the determination of TNP as a fluorescent probe. The excitation peak center of N,S-CNPs and the emission peak center are 340 nm and 423 nm, respectively. The probe can be used in a variety of conditions to detect TNP due to its relatively stable properties. Meanwhile, it has a fast response time (< 1 min), wide linear response range (0.1–40 μM), and low detection limit (43.0 nM). This probe still has excellent selectivity and high sensitivity. The method was also used to detect standard water samples with a satisfactory recovery rate, and it will be used in the application of pollutants and clinical diseases.