One-pot synthesis of BN-CDs fluorescent probe for determination of FOX-7

A highly selective fluorescence sensor based on boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (BN-CDs) was firstly constructed for the determination of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7). The BN-CDs fluorescent probe was prepared by a simple, green, and low-cost one-pot hydrothermal carbonization method. The BN-CDs with good dispersion had strong fluorescence property, and the particle size was about 3 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that B and N elements were successfully co-doped into CDs. Under the optimal experiment condition, BN-CDs fluorescent probe had a good linear relationship with the concentrations of FOX-7 in the range of 0–80 μM, and the limit of detection was 0.41 μM. The fluorescence of BN-CDs decreased with the increase of FOX-7 concentration, which was ascribed to inner filter effect . The fluorescent sensor has high sensitivity and good selectivity , which can be successfully applied in actual water samples with satisfactory recovery.