Aqueous synthesis of core/shell/shell ZnSeS/Cu:ZnS/ZnS quantum dots and their use as a probe for the selective photoluminescent detection of Pb2+ in water

Water-dispersible core/shell/shell ZnSeS/Cu:ZnS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) were successfully prepared via a one-pot method. The are photostable, exhibit Cu-related photoluminescence (PL) emission located at 500 nm and PL yield of 21%. QDs was demonstrated to be selectively quenched by Pb2+ ions method for the rapid sensitive detection in real water samples developed. Under optimized conditions, intensity is almost linearly dependent on concentration range 0.04 6 µM limit 21 nM water. Based lifetime UV–visible absorption measurements, dynamic quenching mechanism demonstrated. also efficient probes samples. developed rapid, simple demonstrates that can used as non-toxic sense aqueous solution.