A novel reversible dual-mode probe based on amorphous carbon nanodots for the detection of mercury ion and glutathione

Fluorometric and colorimetric probes have attracted more and more attention in recent years. However, there are few reports on dual-mode reversible probes. We report the design of a novel colorimetric and fluorometric probe based on amorphous carbon nanodots (CND), which successfully realized the dual-mode and reversible detection of mercury (Hg2+) and glutathione (GSH). The limits of detection with fluorometric and colorimetric for Hg2+ were 6.8 nM and 0.38 μM, and for GSH were 10.9 nM and 0.56 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the probe could also effectively analyze Hg2+ and GSH in different practical water samples. These findings extend the application of CND in environment and biology.