Novel switchable sensor for phosphate based on the distance-dependant fluorescence coupling of cysteine-capped cadmium sulfide quantum dots and silver nanoparticles

A novel switchable sensor was developed for the determination of phosphate based on Ce3+ induced aggregation and phosphate triggered disaggregation of cysteine (Cys)-capped CdS quantum dots (QDs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The rare earth metal Ce3+ could aggregate a mixture of QDs and AgNPs, which induced electron or energy transfer between CdS QDs and AgNPs and serious fluorescence quenching. However, phosphate dissociated the formed aggregation of CdS QDs and AgNPs, restoring the enhanced fluorescence of Cys-capped CdS triggered by AgNPs. Although, CdS QDs alone could also be used to detect phosphate through the aggregation-disaggregation mechanism adjusted by Ce3+ and phosphate. It was found that the distance-dependent interaction between AgNPs and CdS QDs driven by Ce3+ and phosphate could lead to enhanced quenching or enhancement of the fluorescence of Cys-capped CdS to form a more sensitive detection system for phosphate. The developed method was applied in the detection of phosphate in real water samples with acceptable and satisfactory results.