Fluorescent probes for Pd2+ detection by poly(o-phenylenediamine) nanospheres with fluorescence enhancement

In this article, we developed a novel fluorescent probe for Pd2+ detection with the use of conjugated polymer poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) nanospheres as an effective sensing platform. The PoPD nanospheres were easily prepared via chemical polymerization of o-phenylenediamine (oPD) monomers by ammonium persulfate (APS) at room temperature. The general concept used in this approach lies in the fact that palladium react easily with a number of nitrogen-containing organic compounds, resulting in the formation of complexes in which nitrogen atoms are coordinatively bonded to palladium ions. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 0–240 ppm for Pd2+, and the detection limit was as sensitive as 1 ppm. The performances of the probe indicated that it could meet the selectivity requirements for biomedical and environmental application and also was sensitive enough to detect Pd2+ in environmental and biological samples.

► We developed a novel fluorescent probe for Pd2+ detection with the use of PoPD.
► The general concept lies in nitrogen atoms are coordinatively bonded to palladium ions.
► It could meet the selectivity requirements for biomedical and environmental application.