New rhodamine dimer probes for mercury detection via color changes and enhancement of the fluorescence emission: Fast recognition in cellulose supported devices

Two rhodamine dimer compounds exhibiting high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg2+ over other metal cations have been studied in absolute ethanol solution. Increase in the absorption and emission signals with a color change from colorless to pink were observed in both cases. Recognition of Hg2+ with both compounds in the gas phase was also explored. Immobilization of the rhodamine probes in cellulose supported systems to evaluate their efficiency on the fast detection of Hg2+ in aqueous phase was also reported. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.