Chemodosimetric sensing of hydrazine via an irreversible reaction-based sensor and its multifunctional applications

Abstract

Herein, we developed a very easy-to-synthesize, cost-effective and efficient chemosensor for hydrazine using readily available starting materials. The probe exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for hydrazine in the presence of other interfering analytes through an irreversible reaction-based mechanism. The changes in the photophysical properties of the chemosensor in presence of this analyte were visible to the naked eye. The limit of detection (LOD) of hydrazine was found to be 1.7 ppb, indicating that even trace amounts could be detected. For on-site sensing of the mentioned analyte, the probe was immobilized in a naturally abundant starch-PVA polymer matrix. Hydrazine induced a visual colour change in the resulting composite film, enabling its on-site detection. The practical application of the probe was also demonstrated, which showed that the probe can detect the analyte in water and soil samples. The mechanism of sensing was established via NMR titration. The photophysical properties of the chemosensor before and after treatment with hydrazine were validated with theoretical studies.