Encapsulation of Carbon Quantum Dots in Alginate Hydrogel In order to Use as a Mercury Sensor

Mercury is one of the most harmful pollutants in the environment, which in the event of ingestion into the human body, it is not metabolized and severe nervous, respiratory and metabolic disorders will occur due to the formation of stable complexes with biological molecules. Therefore, the development of precise, fast and inexpensive methods for mercury detection in the environment is of great importance. Carbon quantum dot is a new fluorescent substance with unique physical and chemical properties which is taken into consideration for diagnostic applications, especially for heavy metals detection at low concentrations. In this study, carbon dots with blue fluorescent emission were synthesized using the pyrolysis method and characterized. Fluorescent emission intensity of synthesized carbon dots was decreased significantly in interacting with mercury. Then for providing an easy-to-use mercury detection method, carbon dot was encapsulated in sodium alginate hydrogel. Quenching fluorescent intensity of encapsulated carbon dots in the hydrogel structure was evaluated in the presence of mercury and 1micromolar detection limit was obtained. Encapsulating carbon dots in hydrogel structure not only extend the use of carbon dot as a mercury sensor but also can be used as an adsorbent for mercury pollutant from the environment.