A reversible fluorescence nanoswitch based on bifunctional reduced graphene oxide: use for detection of Hg2+ and molecular logic gate operation

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate the first use of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–organic dye nanoswitch for the label-free, sensitive and selective detection of Hg²⁺ using bifunctional rGO as an effective nanoquencher and highly selective nanosorbent. Moreover, a reversible on–off INHIBIT rGO logic gate based on a cysteine–Hg²⁺ system has also been designed.