Engineering fluorescent carbon dot sensor with rare earth europium for the detection of uranium (VI) ion in vivo.

Three types of carbon dots were synthesized using the same precursor (folic acid and europium nitrate) via different preparation methods (doping and direct coordination). A comprehensive comparison and analysis of the morphology, surface groups, and optical properties of the prepared carbon dots (CD), europium-doped carbon dots (CD-Eu), and europium-functionalized carbon dots (CD@Eu) were conducted. Moreover, due to the higher quantum yield, excellent stability, and outstanding selectivity for UO exhibited by CD-Eu, we selected CD-Eu as the probe for subsequent applications.

Recent progress of UCNPs-MoS nanocomposites as a platform for biological applications.

Composite materials can take advantages of the functional benefits of multiple pure nanomaterials to a greater degree than single nanomaterials alone. The UCNPs-MoS composite is a nano-application platform that combines upconversion luminescence and photothermal properties. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are inorganic nanomaterials with long-wavelength excitation and short-wavelength tunable emission capabilities, and are able to effectively convert near-infrared (NIR) light into visible light for increased photostability.

Colorimetric sensing for the sensitive detection of UO the phosphorylation functionalized mesoporous silica-based controlled release system.

In this study, we developed a simple and sensitive colorimetric sensing method for the detection of UO, which was built to release MB from the molybdenum disulfide with a phosphate group (MoS-PO) gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized phosphate group (MSN-PO) with UO chelating. In the presence of UO, MoS-PO can be effectively adsorbed onto the surface of MSN-PO based on the coordination chemistry for strong affinity between the P-O bond and UO. The adsorbed MoS-PO was then utilized as an ideal gate material to control the release of signal molecules (MB) entrapped within the pores of MSN-PO, resulting in a detectable decrease in the absorption peak at 663 nm.

Efficient removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution by a novel phosphate-modified biochar supporting zero-valent iron composite.

Uranium (U) is an important strategic resource as well as a heavy metal element with both chemical and radiotoxicity. At present, the rapid and efficient removal of uranium from wastewater remains a huge challenge for environmental protection and ecological security. In this paper, phosphate-modified biochar supporting nano zero-valent iron (PBC/nZVI) was triumphantly prepared and fully characterized.