A more flexible salamo-based colorimetric and proportional chemical sensor with fast, highly sensitive and recyclable detection of cyanide and application in test paper.

A more flexible salamo-based sensor DNTS was designed and synthesized, with dual modes of colorimetry and fluorescence turn on to sense CN−. In addition, the introduction of Cu2+ ions will form a more stable complex with CN−, which makes the sensor repeatable. [Display omitted] • A more flexible salamo-based chemical sensor DNTS for dual-channel identification of CN− was synthesized. • The sensor DNTS can be recycled through adding of Cu2+ ions. • The sensor DNTS can be made into a simple test strip for real-time monitoring. A more flexible salamo-based chemical sensor DNTS was designed and synthesized, with dual modes of colorimetry and luminescence turn on to sense CN−. The performance of the sensor DNTS has been studied in detail through UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the recognition mechanism has been reasonably proved that the interaction between DNTS and CN− leads to the deprotonation of the hydroxyl group, followed by the π-π stacking process, resulting in luminescence. The sensor DNTS can detect cyanide with high sensitivity through proportional fluorescence (398/468 nm), and its detection limit is about 0.128 μM. In addition, the successful used of the Cu2+ and CN− coordination mechanism making the sensor repeatable. In short, the sensor DNTS will be a promising device for detecting cyanide based on the successful development of test strips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]