Detection of Hg(2+) by a Dual-Fluorescence Ratio Probe Constructed with Rare-Earth-Element-Doped Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots and Fluorescent Carbon Dots

[Image: see text] Quantum dots (QDs) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) are classes of zero-dimensional materials whose sizes can be ≤10 nm. They exhibit excellent optical properties and are widely used to prepare fluorescent probes for qualitative and quantitative detection of test objects. In this article, we used cerium chloride as the cerium source and used the in situ doped cerium (rare-earth element) to develop cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots following the aqueous phase method. CdTe: Ce quantum dots were successfully synthesized. The solution of CdTe:Ce QDs was mixed with the CD solution prepared following the green microwave method to form a ratio fluorescence sensor that can be potentially used for the selective detection of mercury ions (Hg(2+)). We used transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and other microscopy and spectral characterization techniques to validate that Ce had been successfully doped. The test results on the fluorescence performance revealed that Ce doping enhances the predoped fluorescence performance of the CdTe QDs. We have quantitatively detected Hg(2+) using a ratiometric fluorescence sensor to show that in the range of 10–60 nM, the fluorescence quenching efficiency increases linearly with the increase in Hg(2+) concentration. The linear correlation coefficient R(2) = 0.9978, and its detection limit was found to be 2.63 nM L(–1). It was observed that other interfering ions do not significantly affect the fluorescence intensity of the probe. According to the results of the blank addition experiment, the developed proportional fluorescence probe can be used for the detection of Hg(2+) in actual samples.