Visual monitoring of trace water in organic solvents based on ecofriendly b/r-CDs ratiometric fluorescence test paper.

Developing a green, non-toxic and easy to synthesize of fluorescence probe for fast and visual detecting trace water in various organic solvents was an important task. Here, a novel dual-emission fluorescence probe (b/r-CDs) was designed based on the red CDs (r-CDs) and blue CDs (b-CDs) to detect the trace water and enhance the visualization for naked-eye observation in different organic solvents. Among, the red fluorescence carbon dots (CDs) was found to have the capability to monitor trace amounts of water, which synthesized with green tea by facile ultrasonic method. Further, Such a dual-emission probe could fast monitor trace water in various organic solvents with high stability and fast response. Importantly, a synergistic mechanism of the dynamic process (b-CDs) and static quenching (r-CDs) was proved for the study of water detection. Moreover, the test paper was made for detecting trace water in different organic solvents, achieving convenient and effective detection. Image 1 • A red fluorescence CDs obtained from green tea and showed the potential for monitoring trace water in organic solvents. • The dual-emission fluorescence probe was designed with blue and red fluorescence CDs for detecting trace water.. • The synergistic mechanism of the dynamic process and static quenching for enhancing visualization effect. • The test strips made for quick and easy visual inspection of trace water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]