Synthesis of fluorescent BCN hybrid nanosheets: a highly efficient fluorosensor for rapid, simple, sensitive Ag+ detection

Abstract

In this work, we develop a simple and low-cost synthetic strategy to prepare BCN hybrid nanosheets. The conversion of graphene oxide (GO) into BCN hybrid nanosheets is accomplished through a reaction with boric acid and melamine at 600 °C, during which boron and nitrogen atoms are incorporated into the graphene atomic sheets. In the absence of metal ions, the BCN exhibits high fluorescence. However, the addition of metal ions causes fluorescence quenching, this property making application of BCN possible as a fluorosensor to detect metal ions quantitatively. Because of its high selectivity towards Ag⁺, the BCN can be used as a facile sensing platform for label-free sensitive and selective detection of Ag⁺ in aqueous solution. The whole detection process can be completed within 2 min with a detection limit as low as 16 nM.