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A new oligothiophene derivative (3TY) was synthesized, and used as a highly selective hydrazine (N 2 H 4) chemosensor in ∼100% aqueous solution with "naked-eye" colorimetric and "turn-on" fluorimetric response. This chemosensor 3TY enabled ultrafast and ultrasensitive detection of hydrazine with ultralow detection limit of 1.45 nM (0.04 ppb) in a wide sensing pH range from 6 to 10. The sensing mechanism of 3TY toward hydrazine was strongly and fully confirmed. More importantly, colorimetric paper test strip and solid support silica are easily prepared by 3TY for on-site and real-time detection of hydrazine. Furthermore, 3TY displays many potential applications for detecting N 2 H 4 in environmental water and human urine along with bio-imaging in living HeLa cells. Image 1 • A new hydrazine-selective sensor 3TY based on oligothiophene derivative is developed. • 3TY displays distinct spectral and color change to N 2 H 4 in 100% aqueous solution. • The N 2 H 4 detection shows ultrafast response, ultraselectivity and ultrasensitivity. • 3TY -based test strips can colorimetrically and portably detect hydrazine in water. • Sensor 3TY provides an effective tool for imaging hydrazine in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new highly selective and sensitive dual-mode sensor 3TD based on the conjugate of oligothiophene and barbituric acid moiety was developed for colorimetric and turn-on fluorescent detection of CN─. The sensor 3TD exhibited high specificity towards CN─ by interrupting its own ICT producing thereupon a large blue-shift in UV–Vis spectrum and remarkable "turn-on" fluorescence emission. The detection limit was 2.26 × 10─7 M, which is quite lower than the permissible level of CN─ in drinking water according to the WHO. The fluorescent detection of CN─ was well demonstrated by filter paper strips and silica coated TLC plates. Moreover, the sensor was also used to detect CN─ in environmental water and agro-products with satisfactory results. Most importantly, in terms of these advantages of colorimetric and turn-on fluorescent dual-mode, immediate response, excellent selectivity, high sensitivity, low cytotoxicity, and good biocompatibility, the sensor 3TD was successfully applied into CN− imaging in living cells, demonstrating its excellent value in practical application. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A new colorimetric naked-eye and turn-on fluorescent sensor 3TD was developed. • Sensor 3TD emerged strong response to CN− with rapid, selective, and sensitive characteristics. • Sensor 3TD could detect trace CN− in water, agro-products and test strips. • Sensor 3TD showed low cytotoxicity and was successfully applied to living cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel colorimetric and fluorometric dual-channel sensor DA with a favorable optical property and high specificity via a facile synthesis for Cu2+ was developed. DA showed a remarkably rapid response and high selectivity for Cu2+ over other metal ions with low detection limit of 15.1 nM. The sensing mechanism of DA for Cu2+ was based on the chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ) mechanism, and further confirmed by optical measurements, FTIR, HRMS and DFT calculations. Importantly, DA for sensing Cu2+ possessed excellent sensing performances including colorimetric and fluorometric dual-mode detection, fast response, good reversibility, wide pH response range and strong anti-interference ability. Moreover, the DA could be not only applied to quantitatively detect Cu2+ in environmental water, food and drink samples, but also show highly colorimetric detection of Cu2+ on test strips and silica, indicating its possibility to be utilized as a convenient and low-cost sensor for environment and food monitoring. Image 1 • A new colorimetric and fluorometric sensor DA was synthesized. • DA exhibits fast response and ultra sensitivity to Cu2+. • DA is successfully used for tracking Cu2+ in environmental water, food and drink samples. • DA served as an efficient optical solid-state sensor for highly colorimetric detection of Cu2+ on test strips and silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new simple and efficient oligothiophene-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe has been developed for highly sensitive and fast detection of Hg 2+ in water, soil and seafood. The probe 5-(1,3-dithiolan-2-yl)-2,2':5′,2″-terthiophene 3 TS can selectively detect Hg 2+ via the Hg 2+ -promoted deprotection reaction of thioacetals, which caused a remarkable color change from colorless to yellow and a strong fluorescence enhancement with emission color varying from blue to yellow, enabling naked-eye detection of Hg 2+ . The probe shows high sensitivity with the detection limit down to 1.03 × 10 −8  M. Visual color changes of 3 TS were observed on filter paper and TLC testing strips when they were impregnated on testing strips and immersed in Hg 2+ solution. Moreover, the probe 3 TS has been successfully used to rapidly detect trace amounts of hazardous Hg 2+ ions in tap, distilled, river and lake water, cropland soil, fish, shrimp and kelp samples with acceptable results and good recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel carbazole-indandione based red-emitting fluorescent sensor CBI was developed, which exhibited typical and interesting aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics with a large Stokes shift in mixed aqueous media. CBI as a colorimetric and fluorimetric sensor for sensing hydrazine in ~100% aqueous media shows ultrarapid response, excellent selectivity, and great sensitivity with a low detection limit of 1.18 ppb. The mechanism of CBI for highly sensing hydrazine was proved by fluorescence, FTIR, 1H NMR and HRMS spectra. Interestingly, the CBI was not only applied to sensitively detect aqueous N 2 H 4 in water, human urine and live cells, but also was conveniently utilized to visualize gaseous N 2 H 4 with sensitive naked-eye color diversification. Additionally, owing to its intense fluorescence irradiated by UV light, the CBI was significantly used as a new fluorescent ink for writing and drawing as well as a writable fluorescent display material. Unlabelled Image • A new easy-to-prepare red-emitting sensor CBI was developed for hydrazine. • CBI has good advantages of AIEE properties and large Stokes shift. • CBI exhibits ultrafast response, high sensitivity and selectivity for N 2 H 4. • CBI was applied for detection of hydrazine in solution, gas state, solid state and live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-function bithiophene-Meldrum's acid based chemosensor 2TM was developed, which displayed ultrafast, colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on responses for CN− and ClO− with specific selectivity and high sensitivity. The sensor 2TM for CN− detection in DMSO/H 2 O (1/3, V/V) solution was based on the nucleophilic addition of CN− to sensor, which resulted in remarkable spectral and discernible color changes. Meanwhile, 2TM showed specific selectivity for ClO− in 100% aqueous solution based on the sensing mechanism of oxidative cleavage of C C bond. The detection limits were obtained to be 0.96 μM for CN− and 48 nM for ClO−. The sensing mechanism of 2TM toward CN− and ClO− was investigated by job'plot, FTIR, 1H NMR, HRMS and optical spectra. The sensor 2TM loaded colorimetric test strips/supported silica measurements demonstrated to be a portable, eco-friendly and ultrafast device for real-time and on-site visual detection of CN− and ClO− in water by the naked eye. More importantly, sensor 2TM with excellent photophysical properties and low biotoxicity was successfully applied to detect CN− and ClO− in live cells and environmental water samples, as well as capable of monitoring CN− in the natural food samples, illustrating its practical utility in biological and environmental systems. Image 1 • A novel colorimetric and fluorescent sensor 2TM was introduced for simultaneous detection of CN− and ClO−. • 2TM exhibits excellent selectivity, great sensitivity and ultrafast responses to CN− and ClO−. • The low detection limits for CN− and ClO− were obtained as 0.96 μM and 48 nM. • 2TM sensitively detect CN− and ClO− in live cells, water and food samples. • 2TM is applied as an efficient sensor for highly colorimetric detection of CN− and ClO− on test strips and silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new thiophene-based dual functional sensor TSA was designed and synthesized. • Sensor TSA exhibits colorimtric response for Cu2+ and fluorimetric response for Al3+. • Sensor TSA shows low detection limit of 0.217 μM for Cu2+ and 49 nM for Al3+. • Sensor TSA was used for detection of Al3+ and Cu2+ in water, food samples and test strips. • Sensor TSA was applied to image intracellular Al3+ in live HeLa cells. A new thiophene-based colorimtric and fluorimetric dual functional sensor TSA was synthesized, which can highly sense Al3+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous solution through two approaches: a significant fluorescence enhancement caused by Al3+ and a visible color change from colorless to yellow induced by Cu2+. The sensor TSA showed a highly binding affinity only toward Al3+ and Cu2+ even in the presence of other competitive metal ions with low detection limits of 49 nM and 0.217 μM, respectively. The mechanisms of TSA for sensing Al3+ and Cu2+ were based on the metal ions coordination of TSA , which have been demonstrated by HR ESI-MS and 1H NMR titration. In addition, sensor TSA was successfully applied to quantify Al3+ and Cu2+ in environmental water and food samples with good precision and accuracy. Moreover, the TSA -based test stips/silica can conveniently and practically detect and discriminate Al3+ and Cu2+ in water. Furthermore, sensor TSA has also been applied to detect Al3+ in live HeLa cells. This work provides a new approach with easily synthetic route and economically cheap for ultrasensitive, selective, quantitative and differentiable detection of Al3+ and Cu2+ in environmental, food and biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oligothiophene-based sensor 3 TH for monitoring Hg2+ has been designed and synthesized based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. The 3 TH shows the significant specificity toward Hg2+ through "naked-eye" colorimetric detection as well as via ratiometric fluorescence enhancement response with low detection limit of 62 nM. In addition, sensor 3 TH shows high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg2+ with fast response in a suitable pH range. Moreover, the 3 TH -based test strips was used to conveniently detect Hg2+ ions in water. Furthermore, considering its good "turn-on" fluorescent sensing behavior and low cell cytotoxicity, 3 TH was successfully applied to detect and image Hg2+ in real water samples and living cells, which shows great potentials for application in environmental and biological systems. Image 1 • A novel naked-eye colorimetric and turn-on ratiometric fluorescent sensor 3 TH for Hg2+ was developed. • 3 TH towards Hg2+ features good selectivity, high sensitivity, fast response in a wide pH range. • 3 TH shows low cytotoxicity and excellent "turn-on" fluorescent sensing properties. • 3 TH was used to detect and image Hg2+ in water, test strips and living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel phenothiazine-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent sensor PPM for Hg2+ is synthesized. • PPM shows high selectivity and low detection limit of 12.5 nM in a wide pH range. • The response time of PPM for Hg2+ is within 1 min and suitable for ultrafast detection of Hg2+. • PPM for Hg2+ shows good applicability for paper/TLC-based "naked-eye" colorimetric assay. • PPM was used for fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in living cells. A new phenothiazine-based sensor PPM was successfully designed and synthesized, which shows highly selective, ultrafast, naked-eye colorimetric and turn-on ratiometric fluorescence sensing of Hg2+ on the basis of the ICT from phenothiazine to aldehyde. Upon addition of Hg2+, obvious blue fluorescence at 455 nm decreased while green fluorescence at 528 nm enhanced, which exhibits ratiometric fluorescent turn-on response along with a "naked-eye" color change from pale-blue to bright-green. The PPM for highly sensing of Hg2+ with a quite low detection limit (12.5 nM) and a wide pH application range. The sensing mechanism proved to be the Hg2+-triggered thioacetal deprotection reaction was confirmed. Importantly, PPM was successfully employed for highly selective detecting and imaging of Hg2+ in living cells, as well as on paper/TLC-based "naked-eye" colorimetric assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phenoxazine-based turn-on fluorescent probe (PB) has been developed for selectively and sensitively detecting ClO−, which was applied to detect ClO− in urine/food/water/beverage samples, sprouting potatoes, living soybean sprouts and zebrafish. [Display omitted] • A new phenoxazine-based turn-on fluorescent probe PB was developed for detecting ClO−. • Probe PB for ClO− sensing with high specificity, sensitivity and fast response. • The PB based test strips were constructed for conveniently and rapidly detecting ClO− in real-time. • The PB was utilized to detect ClO− in urine/food/water/beverage samples and living plants. • Probe PB was applied for bioimaging ClO− in zebrafish. High level of hypochlorite (ClO−) can lead to oxidative stress responses and cell damage, thus, it is of the utmost importance to monitor ClO− in real-world samples and live systems. In this work, a new phenoxazine-based turn-on fluorescent probe (PB) was reported for detecting ClO− with high specificity and strong anti-interference effect, along with the naked-eye fluorescence color changed from dark to green. Probe PB responded to ClO− with high sensitivity (detection limit: 0.11 µM), broad pH working range (5–9) and fast response (<5 min). The detecting mechanism was verified by the corresponding spectra of 1H NMR/HRMS and DFT calculations. With the favorable sensing performances, the probe PB -coated test strips were fabricated for easy, convenient, fast and colorimetric identification of ClO− with sensitive responses. Meanwhile, probe PB was applied to detect ClO− in urine/food/water/beverage samples, sprouting potatoes and living soybean sprouts, showing its diverse practical applicability. Furthermore, PB probe was also used to monitor exogenous ClO− in zebrafish owing to its good biocompatibility, indicating its great bioimaging potential for micro-level detection of ClO− in vivo. All the investigated results demonstrated that there exist promising possibilities of PB for practical applications in bioimaging system and urine/food/water/beverage monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A novel colorimetric and fluorescent turn-off sensor 3TDB for Cu2+ has been reported. • Sensor 3TDB exhibits high selectivity towards Cu2+ over other metal ions. • The sensor shows high sensitivity towards Cu2+ with the detection limits of 0.42 μM. • The sensor 3TDB can rapidly detect Cu2+ with instant fluorescence response time within 20 s. • The sensor 3TDB has been successfully applied to detect Cu2+ in water and food samples. Abstract A novel oligothiophene-derived colorimetric and fluorescent sensor 3TDB was designed and synthesized. The sensor 3TDB showed visible color change from colorless to yellow and the fluorescence was immediately decreased in aqueous media upon the addition of Cu2+. This sensor showed highly selective, sensitive, and turn-off fluorescence response to Cu2+ over other metal ions with a low detection limit of 4.2 × 10−7 M. The sensor 3TDB for visual detection of Cu2+ showed high anti-interference ability in the co-existence of other metal ions and fast response time within 20 s in a wide pH range. The Cu2+-binding mode and recognition mechanism of the sensor were investigated by using Job's plot, FTIR, HRMS, and the DFT calculations. Moreover, the sensing behavior was found to be reversible with addition of EDTA, which indicated that 3TDB could act as a nice candidate for Cu2+ and EDTA controlled "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescence switch. Furthermore, the sensor 3TDB was successfully applied to detect Cu2+ in real water and food samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrazine (N 2 H 4) and hypochlorite (ClO−) are extremely harmful to the public health, so it is vitally necessary to detect them in living system. Herein, we developed a new phenthiazine-thiobarbituric acid based dual-analyte responsive fluorescent sensor PT for visually distinguishing and detecting N 2 H 4 and ClO−. PT underwent N 2 H 4 /ClO−-induced C C breakage, achieving olive-drab/brilliant green fluorescence lighting-up response towards N 2 H 4 /ClO− with superb specifity, ultra-sensitivity (detection limit: 15.4 nM for N 2 H 4 , 13.7 nM for ClO−), and ultra-fast response (N 2 H 4 : <15 s, ClO−: <20 s). The mechanisms for sensing N 2 H 4 and ClO− were investigated with support of spectral measurements and DFT investigation. Sensor based paper-strip/silica-gel device was developed for in-field supervision and on-site monitoring of gaseous and aqueous N 2 H 4 and ClO− solution. In addition, the PT was also applied for quantitatively detecting N 2 H 4 and ClO− in soil, food, plants and bio-fluids. Moreover, PT was utilized to visualize exogenous N 2 H 4 and ClO− in living plants and live-cells, demonstrating this sensor utilized as a powerful tool to detect N 2 H 4 and ClO− in biological fields. [Display omitted] • A new dual-analyte fluorescent sensor PT was reported for rapid and simultaneous detecting N 2 H 4 and ClO−. • The sensing system presented superb specificity, ultra-sensitivity, ultra-rapid response and excellent bio-compatibility. • PT was utilized in colorimetric detection of ClO− as well as gaseous and aqueous N 2 H 4. • PT was capable to sensitively detect and bioimage N2H4 and ClO– in biofluids, live-cells, and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationally designed and effectively synthesized D-π-A chemosensor DTA containing bithiophene fluorophore by using bithiophene aldehyde and benzothiazole salt and serves as highly specific chemosensor for colorimetric/fluorimetric turn-on detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) in ∼100 % aqueous media. DTA has obvious advantages of high specificity, short response time (8 s), broad pH working scope, ultra-sensitivity with low detection limit (5.3 nM), good bio-compatibility and permeability. The responding mechanism of DTA toward ClO− was investigated by 1H NMR, FTIR, HRMS, optical spectra and DFT calculations. Interestingly, DTA coated silica-gel, cotton buds, and filter-paper test strips were developed for qualitative and quantitative visual detection of ClO− in real-time. Notably, DTA was utilized to quantitatively detect ClO− in real-water and bio-fluids. Moreover, DTA was also applied to bioimage ClO− in live-cells, zebrafish and plant kingdoms, highlighting its broad application potentials. The simple structure and versatility of the DTA provides a convenient approach for developing multi-functional sensors and expanding its broader application fields. [Display omitted] • A new bithiophene-benzothiazole-based colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor DTA was reported for detecting ClO−. • The sensing system displays attractive advantages of ultra-rapidity, ultra-sensitivity and bio-compatibility. • DTA -based colorimetric sensing system was utilized for fast, visual and real-time detecting ClO−. • DTA can sensitively detect trace ClO− in real-water and bio-fluids. • DTA was applied to bio-image ClO− in living cells, zebrafish and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ICT type D-π-A structured chemosensor DTB derived from a bithiophene-benzothiazole derivative has been synthesized. Sensor DTB showed a colorimetric and fluorometric dual-signaling response to hypochlorite (ClO−) in EtOH/HEPES solution (1/99, V/V, pH = 7.4, nearly 100% aqueous solution). Sensor DTB exhibited well specificity, high sensitivity and rapidity (<1 min) for ClO− with a detection limit of 25 nM. Sensor DTB features remarkable color changes and significant fluorescence "turn-on" response (ca. 45 fold) after treating with ClO−. Comprehensive analyses by 1H NMR, TLC, FTIR, HRMS, UV–vis, fluorescence and DFT illustrated that ClO− reacted with the C C bond of DTB , generating fluorophore 2T-CHO , leading to strong blue fluorescence. Interestingly, DTB loaded colorimetric test strips were established for rapid and real-time visual detection of ClO−. Furthermore, the DTB was successfully applied to quantitatively and sensitively detect ClO− in 84 disinfectant, bio-fluids (human serum and urine) and actual water samples. Importantly, the biocompatible DTB has been employed for visualizing and bioimaging ClO− in mung bean sprouts, Arabidopsis, live cells and zebrafish. These investigations demonstrate that DTB has great potentials for detecting ClO− in various biosystems and environments. This work would offer a new idea for developing multifunctional sensors with better performance for chemo/biosensors. [Display omitted] • A new colorimetric/fluorescent turn-on sensor DTB was developed for specific, sensitive and fast detection of ClO−. • Colorimetric sensing platform based on DTB was applied for specifically and rapidly detecting ClO− in real-time. • DTB could effectively detect ClO− in real-water, 84 liquid disinfectant and bio-fluids. • Biocompatible DTB was capable of bio-imaging ClO− in plants, living cells and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new dual functional chemosensor TSC has been easily synthesized. • Single sensor TSC can rapidly and simultaneously detect Al3+ and Cu2+ in ∼100% aqueous solution. • TSC shows high reversibility and could be applied to construction of the molecular logic gate. • The practical applicability of TSC has been examined in real samples analysis and naked-eye colorimetric test strips. A new thiophenecarbohydrazide Schiff-base as dual-functional chemosensor TSC was developed for nano-level detection of Al3+ and Cu2+ in ∼100% aqueous solution with quite low detection limits of 9.98 nM and 14.3 nM, respectively. Chemosensor TSC showed discriminative sensing behaviors to Al3+ and Cu2+ with different response mechanisms, allowing the high selectivity monitoring of Al3+ and Cu2+. The TSC for selective sensing of Al3+ with "turn-on" strong blue fluorescence, and Cu2+ with a distinct colorimetric change from colorless to yellow and a notable "turn-off" fluorescence. The chemosensor TSC exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity, ultra-fast reaction rate (15 s), wide pH response ranges (Al3+: 3–11; Cu2+: 1–14), high reversibility and excellent reusability (Al3+: 5 cycles, Cu2+: 4 cycles) for simultaneous sensing of Al3+ and Cu2+. These good sensing performances further demonstrated that chemosensor TSC had potential applications and could be utilized to detect Al3+ and Cu2+ in real environmental and food samples analysis, test strips and molecular logic gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new phenomena-Meldrum's acid D-π-A fluorescent sensor 5-((10-(2-ethoxyethyl)−10H-phenoxazin-3-yl)methylene)−2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (PM) was developed, which was employed for colorimetric and turn-on fluorimetric sensing hydrazine in ~100% aqueous media. The sensor PM towards hydrazine shows excellent selectivity with strong anti-interference capability, high sensitivity with extremely low detection limit of 4.2 nM, ultra-rapid response (15 s) and broad pH application range (5−9). The proposed mechanism of sensor PM for sensing hydrazine was supported by 1H NMR, FTIR, HRMS analyses and fluorescence titration studies. The sensor PM not only provides an effective tool for quick and on-site detecting gaseous and aqueous N 2 H 4 in paper strips with sensitive naked-eye color diversification, but also is capable of quantitatively and sensitively detecting trace levels of N 2 H 4 in environmental, biological, plant and food samples. More importantly, the sensor PM was successfully utilized for bio-imaging of N 2 H 4 in plants and animals. As expected, the hydrazine-sensing method in this work is of great significance for further biological applications. [Display omitted] • A new phenoxazine-based D-π-A colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor PM was reported for hydrazine sensing. • The detecting system shows atattractive features of ultra-sensitivity, ultra-rapidity, and functional compatibility. • PM -coated paper was used for visual, rapid and real-time detecting gaseous and aqueous N 2 H 4. • PM can effectively monitor trace N 2 H 4 in environmental, biological, plant and food samples. • PM was successfully applied to bio-imaging N 2 H 4 in plant and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new thiophene hydrazide derivative TSB was synthesized and utilized as naked-eye colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ by the color changed from colorless to yellow as well as green fluorescent turn on sensor for Al3+ in DMSO/H 2 O (1/1, V /V) solution. The dual-functional chemosensor TSB for Cu2+/Al3+ sensing displayed excellent properties of special selectivity, superior sensitivity, outstanding anti-interference performance, instantaneous response, wide pH working range and good reversibility. The detection limits of TSB for Cu2+/Al3+ were determined as low as 46.5 nM and 32.7 nM, respectively. The 1:1 binding mode of TSB with Cu2+/Al3+ was proved by spectrometric titrations, Job's plots, FTIR, 1H NMR and HRMS analysis. Moreover, chemosensor TSB was successfully utilized for detection of Cu2+ and Al3+ in real environmental water and food samples with high reliability, demonstrating its practical applicability. Unlabelled Image • A new thiophene-hydrazide based colorimetric and fluorescent sensor TSB was synthesized. • The dual-functional sensor TSB shows colorimetric response to Cu2+ and fluorimetric response to Al3+. • The low detection limits of TSB for Cu2+/Al3+ were determined to be 46.5 nM and 32.7 nM. • TSB was utilized for detecting Cu2+/Al3+ in environmental water and food samples with high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new colorimetric and fluorescent dual-response sensor for Fe3+ and Cu2+ detection is developed. • The sensor shows fast response, high selectivity and sensitivity for Fe3+ and Cu2+ over other metal ions. • The sensor exhibits good reversibility and regeneration for Fe3+/Cu2+ detection. • The sensor is used for tracking Fe3+ and Cu2+ in filter paper-based test strips. A novel terthiophene-derived colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel sensor termed TTA was designed and synthesized. The sensor TTA showed a significant fluorescence "turn-on" response to Fe3+ and obvious fluorescence turn-off response to Cu2+ with some good features including chromogenic reaction, high sensitivity and selectivity, ultrafast response time, high reversibility, wide pH working range along with low detection limits (1.09 × 10−7 and 4.48 × 10−7 M). The Fe3+/Cu2+-binding mode and recognition mechanism of the sensor were investigated by Job's plot, 1H NMR titrations, FTIR and HRMS spectra. Moreover, the sensor was employed to rapidly and visually determine Fe3+ and Cu2+ in water based on TTA- based paper test strips and solid silica gel with good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]