An efficient upconversion luminescence energy transfer system for determination of trace amounts of nitrite based on NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ as donor

Based on NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanocrystals as donor and 4-((4-(2-aminoethylamino)naphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl) benzenesulfonic acid dihydrochloride (ANDBS) as acceptor, an efficient luminescence energy transfer (LET) system was developed for selective and sensitive determination of trace amounts of nitrite. Based on Griess Reaction, ANDBS was generated by the quantitative reaction of nitrite, sulfanilamide and N-(1-naphtyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (N1NED). The degree of the overlaps between the emission spectrum of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ and the absorption spectrum of ANDBS were effective for luminescence energy transfer. Under the optimal condition, the upconversion luminescence quenching of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ was in proportion to the trace amounts of nitrite. The detection limit for nitrite achieved is 0.0046 μg mL−1 and the system shows high sensitivity towards nitrite at 0.008000–0.2500 μg mL−1 range.

Graphical abstractNaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ upconversion nanocrystals with a mean size of about 50 nm were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Based on NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ as donor and 4-((4-(2-aminoethylamino)naphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl) benzenesulfonic acid dihydrochloride (production of Griess Reaction, which was in proportion to the trace amounts of nitrite) as acceptor, an efficient fluorescence energy transfer system was developed for selective and sensitive determination of trace nitrite.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Stable NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion luminescence nanocrystals were prepared. ► NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanocrystals were used as donor. ► An efficient upconversion luminescence energy transfer (LET) system was developed. ► The system was developed for selective and sensitive determination of trace nitrite.