Abstract

Rhodamine group modified SBA-15 nanocomposite (R3-SBA-15) is investigated as a highly selective Hg²⁺ sensor. The colorless sensor converts to red color in the presence of Hg²⁺ with the fluorescent detection limit for Hg²⁺ in MeCN–H₂O solution (9 : 1 v/v) being 15 ppb levels and exhibits excellent Hg²⁺-specific luminescence enhancement over various competitive cations, including alkali and earth, the first-row transition metals and heavy metals. According to the definition of Boolean Logic, using Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ as inputs, the fluorescence intensity signal changes of R3-SBA-15 as outputs, R3-SBA-15 can act as an INHIBIT logic gate. All the results suggest that R3-SBA-15 was possible for real-time quantitative detection of Hg²⁺ and the convenience for potential application as a logic gate operated at the nanoscale level.