Sensitive distance-based paper-based quantification of mercury ions using carbon nanodots and heating-based preconcentration.

This article reports the first fluorescent distance-based paper device coupled with an evaporating preconcentration system for determining trace mercury ions (Hg) in water. The fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were synthesized by a one-step microwave method using citric acid and ethylenediamine. The fluorescence turn-off of the NCDs in the presence of Hg was visualized with a common black light, and the distance of the quenched fluorescence correlated to Hg concentration.