Fast response Hg(II) sensing and removal core–shell nanocomposite: Construction, characterization and performance

• A core–shell structured nanocomposite for Hg(II) sensing/removal was reported.
• Fe3O4 and silica molecular sieve were used as the core and the shell, respectively.
• A rhodamine derived probe was covalently grafted to the silica shell.
• Emission “Off–On” effect towards Hg(II) with good selectivity was realized.

A core–shell structured nanocomposite for Hg(II) sensing and removal using superparamagnetic Fe3O4 as the core and silica molecular sieve as the shell is reported. A rhodamine derived sensing probe was covalently grafted into the tunnels of the silica molecular sieve. This core–shell structured nanocomposite was carefully characterized, where its core–shell structure was analyzed and confirmed with electron microscopy images, XRD curves, thermogravimetric analysis and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The sensing performance of the nanocomposite suggested that its emission increased with the increasing Hg(II) concentration, showing emission “Off–On” effect and high selectivity towards Hg(II). The adsorption and removal performance were also investigated and proved to be promising. More importantly, this nanocomposite could be regenerated after usage.

A core–shell structured nanocomposite for Hg(II) sensing and removal was reported, with Fe3O4 and silica molecular sieve as the core and the shell, respectively. A rhodamine derived probe was covalently grafted to the silica shell to realize emission “Off–On” effect towards Hg(II) with good selectivity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide