For the widely used Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based colorimetric probe, AuNPs generally change from the dispersion to the aggregation state and corresponding colors turn from red to blue concomitantly. In previous studies, there are few probes based on the anti-aggregation of AuNPs though anti-aggregation of AuNPs is preferable to aggregation to achieve higher selectivity. In this manuscript, a fast and simple but sensitive and selective sensor suitable for on-site and real-time detection of glutathione (GSH) has been developed based on the anti-aggregation of AuNPs. The sensor has a LOD of 8 nM and excellent selectivity toward GSH by a factor of 200-fold or more relative to natural amino acids as well as homocysteine (Hcys) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG). The dynamic range of the sensor can be tuned simply by adjusting the amount of aggregation agent used.
High-quality water-dispersible Mn(2+)-doped ZnSe core/ZnS shell (Mn:ZnSe/ZnS) nanocrystals have been synthesized directly in aqueous media. Overcoating a high bandgap ZnS shell around the Mn:ZnSe cores can bring forward an efficient energy transfer from the ZnSe host nanocrystals to the dopant Mn. The quantum yields of the dopant Mn photoluminescence in the as-prepared water-soluble Mn:ZnSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals can be up to 35 +/- 5%. The optical features and structure of the obtained Mn:ZnSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals have been characterized by UV-vis, PL spectroscopy, TEM, XRD and ICP elementary analysis. The influences of various experimental variables, including the Mn concentration, the Se/Zn molar ratio as well as the kind and amount of capping ligand used in the core production and shell deposition process, on the luminescent properties of the obtained Mn:ZnSe/ZnS nanocrystals have been systematically investigated.
The CaS:Sm3+ nanocrystallites are synthesized by the modified sol-gel technique. The grain size of the nanocrystallites is approximately 60 nm, which is determined by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and UV-vis absorption spectrum. Compared to the CaS:Sm3+ macrocrystallites, the absorption and emission of the nanocrystallites have a blueshift in their spectra, and the emission spectrum of the host CaS appears in the region of 400–500 nm. It was also found that the efficiencies of both photoluminescence and upconversion in the nanocrystallites are higher than those in the macrocrystallites.
Colloidal oil‐soluble Bi2O3 quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized through an alcoholysis route in organic media. Water‐soluble Bi2O3 QDs are then obtained from the initial oil‐soluble QDs through phase transfer by surface modification with mercaptopropionic acid. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies show that the crystallinity is enhanced and particles grow larger after phase transfer. The water‐soluble Bi2O3 QDs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange at a wide range of pH values. After several cycles, the Bi2O3 QDs retain high degradation efficiency. Simulation according to the first‐order reaction dynamics indicates that the degradation reaction may follow complicated quasi‐homogeneous photocatalysis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.