CdSe quantum dots decorated by mercaptosuccinic acid as fluorescence probe for Cu2+

► Synthesis of mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) capped CdSe QDs with narrow emission spectra and its application in fluorescent probe design. ► The luminescence of CdSe QDs was found to respond sensitively to Cu2+. ► Based on the specific response of CdSe QDs toward Cu2+, a novel fluorescent probe for the determination of Cu2+ was developed.