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Paper Sensors Based on Fluorescence Changes of Carbon Nanodots for Optical Detection of Nanomaterials

Author

Listed:
  • Evie L. Papadopoulou

    (Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy)

  • Giulia Biffi

    (Optoelectronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
    Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
    Current Address: Materials Physics Center (CFM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 20018 Donostia, Spain.)

  • Anitha Senthamizhan

    (Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
    Current Address: Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.)

  • Beatriz Martín-García

    (Graphene Labs, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
    Current Address: CIC nanoGUNE, Tolosa Hiribidea, 76, 20018 Donostia, Spain.)

  • Riccardo Carzino

    (Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy)

  • Roman Krahne

    (Optoelectronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy)

  • Athanassia Athanassiou

    (Smart Materials Group, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy)

Abstract

A paper sensor was designed in order to detect the presence of nanomaterials, such as ZnO and silica nanoparticles, as well as graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), based on fluorescence changes of carbon nanodots. Paper strips were functionalized with carbon nanodots using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as binder. The carbon nanodots were highly fluorescent and, hence, rendered the (cellulosic) paper stripes emissive. In the presence of silica and ZnO nanoparticles, the fluorescence emission of the carbon nanodots was quenched and the emission decay was shortened, whereas in the presence of GnP only emission quenching occurred. These different photoluminescence (PL) quenching mechanisms, which are evident from lifetime measurements, convey selectivity to the sensor. The change in fluorescence of the carbon dot-functionalized paper is also evident to the naked eye under illumination with a UV lamp, which enables easy detection of the nanomaterials. The sensor was able to detect the nanomaterials upon direct contact, either by dipping it in their aqueous dispersions, or by sweeping it over their powders. The use of the proposed optical sensor permits the detection of nanomaterials in a straightforward manner, opening new ways for the development of optical sensors for practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Evie L. Papadopoulou & Giulia Biffi & Anitha Senthamizhan & Beatriz Martín-García & Riccardo Carzino & Roman Krahne & Athanassia Athanassiou, 2021. "Paper Sensors Based on Fluorescence Changes of Carbon Nanodots for Optical Detection of Nanomaterials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:11896-:d:666320
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xuezhi Yang & Xian Liu & Aiqian Zhang & Dawei Lu & Gang Li & Qinghua Zhang & Qian Liu & Guibin Jiang, 2019. "Distinguishing the sources of silica nanoparticles by dual isotopic fingerprinting and machine learning," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
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