Decorated nanosphere mesoporous silica chemosensors for rapid screening and removal of toxic cadmium ions in well water samples

Abstract

A superior Cd2+ ion optical chemosensors (COCs) built on mesoporous nanosphere silica were designed for naked-eye, visual, and discrimination of ultra-traces Cd2+ ions in water samples. The designed chemosensors were fabricated via direct dressing process of the 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) into the mesoporous cavities of nanospheres silica. Our approach shows a remarkable, simple, fast response toward Cd2+ ions. The as-synthesized (COCs) nanomonitors show excellently adsorbent functionality across a wide pH range and accomplishes an extraordinary Cd2+ ion adsorption capacity of 100 mg/g at pH=9. Our fabricated nano optical monitors show a wide range of recognition up to 10−9 mol/L at optimum experimental conditions. A colorimetric analysis -based on the captured digital image (DICA) was applied to determine the Cd2+ ion concentration in well water samples. Our data revealing outstanding and harmonious results with the obtained from UV–Vis Spectrophotometry and, using two portable devices for capturing pictures. Our innovated (COCs) nanotrackers show a powerful evidences for clean-up and monitoring the well water from toxic hazards.