A click-derived dual organic-inorganic hybrid optical sensor based on SBA-15 for selective recognition of Zn2+ and CN− in water

•Synthesis of a novel modified SBA-15 via click reaction as an optical sensor.•Selective and sensitive detection of Zn2+ and CN− using fluorescence emission properties in water.•Regeneration and real sample application of the optical sensor for Zn2+.

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid material was designed and prepared by grafting 8-hydroxyquinoline on the surface of SBA-15 via click reaction for optical sensing of ions. The characterizations were performed using low-angle X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, FT-IR and thermal gravimetric analysis confirming the successful attachment of the organic moieties onto the walls and the preservation of SBA-15’s original structure after the functionalization steps. Fluorescence properties investigation of the sensor in water medium revealed selective ability for recognition of Zn2+ and CN− with detection limit of 2.3 × 10−7 M and 3.9 × 10−7 M, respectively. Reversibility of the sensor was also studied.

Graphical abstractHybrid optical sensor for detection of Zn2+ and CN− in water.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide