One-step synthesis of novel carbon dots through cross amide formation of benzene-1,3,5-triamine and trimethyl 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate for fluorescence Hg2+ detection

Herein, we rationally designed and synthesized novel green-emitting fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) through cross amide formation of two precursors, benzene-1,3,5-triamine trihydrochloride and trimethyl 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate, under hydrothermal treatment. The average particle size of the CDs was ∼2.7 nm with graphitic carbon structures. The obtained CDs showed good photoluminescent properties with a quantum yield of up to 11.2%. The carbon dots showed good fluorescence sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+, and the LOD and LOQ values were 17.5 pM and 58.3 pM in the range of 0.1–0.8 μM, which could be successfully applied to Hg2+ detection in real water samples as well as intracellular Hg2+ fluorescence detection.