Imine coupled ZnO based fluorescent chemosensor for the simultaneous estimation of Al3+ and Cr3+

Nanoparticle decorated with a non-selective Schiff base organic ligand is synthesized and the assembly is investigated for cation recognition affinity. The investigation describes interesting phenomena of simultaneous estimation of two metal ions by organizing the binding sites of organic receptors. The receptor, when decorated on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles, demonstrates the modulation in the properties. The design offers some kind of steric organization to the pods of the receptor, making it selective towards a particular metal ion. The nanoparticle surface is decorated with otherwise non-selective receptor for the simultaneous estimation of Cr3+ and Al3+ in semi-aqueous medium through changes in fluorescence. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.