Multi-ion sensing profiling using imidazole-based sensory probe

Abstract

Imperilling impact of heavy metal toxicity possessed serious threat to the wellbeing of our ecosystem. By utilizing the fluorescence abilities of 2,4,5-Tris phenylselanyl-1H-imidazole (3b) based probe, we developed high performing sensory probe for the accurate estimation of multiple metal ions. Under optimal conditions, our probe effectively detected Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, distinguishing them from a wide array of other metals using UV–vis. and fluorescence measurements with wide linear ranges of 5 to 1000 μM. The respective limit of detection values are 0.40 μM and 0.23 μM for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions respectively. Moreover, the complex of probe 3b with Fe³⁺/Cu²⁺ ions serve as a turn-on sensor for the detection of Ce³⁺ ions with LOD values of 0.14 μM and 0.31 μM in presence of Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions respectively. We performed a density functional theory (DFT) based computational study to gain crucial insights into how (3b) complexes with Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions. A logic gate was also designed to determine its potential in detection of Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ce³⁺ ions in an ‘off-on’ mode. This research provides a fresh perspective for creating innovative chemo-sensors. These sensors hold significant promise for selective and sensitive detection of multiple metal ions.