Highly selective silver ion detection using N-doped carbon dots from Clerodendrum wallichii petals.

The detection of silver ions (Ag) in water is crucial due to their potential toxicity and environmental impact. This study presents a novel fluorescence-based turn-off sensor for Ag detection using nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) synthesized from Clerodendrum wallichii petals. The NCDs exhibit strong fluorescence, which is selectively quenched upon interaction with Ag enabling highly sensitive and specific detection. The sensor's performance was optimized by investigating various parameters including pH, ionic strength, reaction time, and the presence of masking agents. Real water samples, including lake water, drinking water, and tap water were analyzed showing high recovery rates that confirming the sensor's reliability for environmental monitoring. The developed NCD-based sensor offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and highly efficient approach for detecting Ag contamination with potential applications in water quality assessment and environmental protection.