Metal and Phosphate Ion Recognition Using Dipicolylamine-modified Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Dipicolylamine-modified fluorescent silica nanoparticles were prepared by introducing dipicolylamine to the surface of silica nanoparticles possessing terminal amines. We examined the selectivities of dipicolylamine-hydroxycoumarin carbonate (dpa-HCC) and dpa-HCC/fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSiNP) for metal ions and phosphate anions. The dipicolylamine-modified silica nanoparticles responded to PPi, Tri and Pb²⁺, indicating novel selectivity derived from the assembly effect of dpa-HCC on the silica nanoparticle surface. Surface-modified fluorescent silica nanoparticles are expected to be used as a sensor for environmental and biological applications.