The Design of Chemosensors for Naked-Eye Detection of Mercury(II) Ion

Abstract

Development of chemosensors for high toxic heavy metals, especially Hg(II) ion has received considerable attention and sequentially developed by using analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy, separation and electroanalytical. The development of colorimetric sensor based on naked-eye detection is increasingly appreciated because it can evaluate both qualitative and quantitative information of Hg(II) without resort to any advance instrumentations. The advantages of chemosensor are simple, rapid, low cost and easily to apply in on-filed application. Chemosensor based on the chemical change between chromoionophores and Hg(II) through intermolecular charge transfer, coordination bonding and desulfurization. Chromoionophores consist of highly recognition moieties for Hg(II) and signaling unit which displays the physical change. Chromoionophores have been designed and synthesized coupling with selective recognition moieties at least one or more molecules and sensory unit. The color change of chromoionophores reacted with Hg(II) was divided into two effects, including red-shift and blue-shift. Due to the monitor of Hg(II) as low as ppm level using chemosensors, they can be also applied in the environmental samples.