Detecting tetracycline with one drop of water in a zeolitic sensor through visualized cyan light

The excessive utilization of antibiotics has led to a considerable amount of tetracycline (TC) residues in the water system, giving rise to ecosystem disruption and human health risk. Detecting TC residues through a pragmatic, rapid, and sensitive approach is an imperative need. In this research, a composite fluorescence sensor is combined with the TiFe dual-doped nanoparticles and the sodalite (SOD) structured zeolite. The sensor is as-synthesized in a one-pot reaction under the hydrothermal condition, in which the Ti and Fe nanoparticles are uniformly embedded and highly dispersed within the zeolite. With the LOD 0.12 μM of TC, cyan light can be observed through the sensor. A self-service home testing solution is prepared by mixing a drop of liquid to be tested, milligrams of sensor powders, and several milliliters of ethanol. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, the cyan emission light indicates the presence of TC in the liquid. And the light became stronger with more TC concentration. The sensor demonstrates outstanding stability, repeatability, selectivity, and sensitivity.