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MPA-capped CdSe QD/mercaptoethylamine-capped AuNP nanocomposite-based sensor for instant detection of trinitrotoluene

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Abstract

CdSe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (CdSe@MPA QDs) were synthesized by chemical route method. The developed CdSe@MPA QDs were pH optimized for higher emission. Gold nanoparticles in aqueous dispersion medium were synthesized by using sodium citrate as reduction agent and capped with mercaptoethylamine (MEA). Further, AuNP-MEA nanoparticles were conjugated with CdSe@MPAQDs. The “as-synthesized” nanomaterials and their composites were characterized by different analytical techniques like TEM, DLS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy. Upon excitation at λex = 400 nm, CdSe@MPA QDs show emission at 540 nm (λem) leading in a good spectral overlap with absorption spectra of AuNPs (λmax = 521 nm). Trinitrotoluene (TNT), being an electron deficient species can easily bind with electron-rich amine group. The amine functionalized GNPs (AuNP@MEA) were used as quenchers for FRET between QDs and GNPs to detect TNT. Using this assay, TNT has been selectively detected up to 21.9 nmol L−1 (LOD). Schematic diagram showing TNT detection based on FRET between gold nanoparticles and quantum dots is also suggested.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge University Grant Commission, Government of India for the fellowship granted to the first author of this study. The authors are also thankful to the Director, Central Scientific Instrumentation Organization Chandigarh, India for providing the research facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ubiquitous Analytical Techniques, CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organization, Chandigarh, 160030, India

    Sarita Devi & Sachin Tyagi

  2. Shri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India

    Rajwinder Kaur

  3. DAV University, Jalandhar, India

    Ashok K Paul

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  1. Sarita Devi
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Correspondence to Sachin Tyagi.

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Devi, S., Kaur, R., Paul, A.K. et al. MPA-capped CdSe QD/mercaptoethylamine-capped AuNP nanocomposite-based sensor for instant detection of trinitrotoluene. Colloid Polym Sci 296, 427–440 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-018-4261-7

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