Fluorometric detection of copper and imidacloprid using nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon dots: A promising method for environmental monitoring

Abstract

Pesticides in environmental samples pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health since they require precise and efficient detection methods. Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, exemplifies these hazards due to its potential toxicity. This study addresses the urgent need for improved monitoring of such contaminants by introducing a novel fluorometric method for detecting IMI using nitrogen‐doped graphite carbon dots (N‐GCDs). The sensor operates by quenching fluorescence through the interaction of Cu2+ ions with N‐GCDs. Subsequently, IMI binds to the imidazole group, chelates with Cu2+, and restores the fluorescence of N‐GCDs. This alternating fluorescence behavior allows for the accurate identification of both Cu2+ and IMI. The sensor exhibits linear detection ranges of 20–100 nM for Cu2+ and 10–140 μg/L for IMI, with detection limits of 18 nM and 1.2 μg/L, respectively. The high sensitivity of this sensor enables the detection of real‐world samples, which underscores its potential for practical use in environmental monitoring and agricultural safety.