Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensor for Ag+ Based on the Supramolecular Self‐Assembly in Semi‐Water

Specific recognition of ultratrace levels of ions in semi-water using super-quicker methods is still a challenge for environmental monitoring. Herein we report a fluorescent and colormetric sensor (ZH) based on supramolecular self-assembly, whose structure was destroyed by the addition of ultratrace of silver ions. The process promoted either naked eye visible color changes or fluorescence intensity quenched in conjunction with a wide pH range. Systematic studies revealed very high selectivity (0.07 µmol/L) for silver ions, and other common cations, e.g., Hg2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+ had nearly no influence on the sensing behavior. This sensor also served as a multiple use of component in sensing materials by addition of I− into the mixture of ZH and Ag+ (about 5 times). What's more, ZH containing filter paper emerged distinct color and fluorescence changes upon exposure to silver (Ag+), which could be used as a portable method to undertake field testing for Ag+.