A test strip-based sensor for the rapid detection of total iron ions in natural water sources

In this work, we designed and synthesized a high-performance test strip detector that could quickly detect total iron ions (Fe3+/2+) in natural water sources. The detection time was rapid (50 s) and visible to the unaided eye. Its fluorescence performance, selectivity, mechanism verification, theoretical calculation, and practicality were tested. The fluorescence intensity of the probe showed a good linear relationship with the amount of Fe3+/2+ added, with a detection limit of 10 nM. The C=N bond of the Schiff base probe was gradually broken after adding Fe3+/2+ through coordination and hydrolysis reactions, then promoting the compound MBBC of strong fluorescence. The mechanism has been verified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1HNMR. The dose ratio of probe MBBA to Fe3+/2+ was 1:1, obtained by Job's plot experiments. The results indicated that probe MBBA had broad application prospects for detecting Fe3+/2+ in natural water sources. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd