A multifunctional sensor: Chromogenic sensing for Mn2+ and fluorescent sensing for Zn2+ and Al3+

- A simple and easy-to-make colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for Mn2+, Zn2+ and Al3+ was designed and synthesized.
- This sensor sensed Mn2+ by an instant color change from colorless to yellow, and detected Zn2+ and Al3+ through fluorescence with high selectivity.
- Detection limits of 1 toward Zn2+ and Al3+ are nM range.