Calix[8]arene coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as C60-nanosensor.

Here, we report an optical sensor for fullerene C(60) in water using CdSe/ZnS quantum dots coated by p-tertbutylcalix[8]arene. This C(60)-nanosensor is based on the selective host-guest interaction between fullerene C(60) and p-tertbutylcalix[8]arene. The procedure for the synthesis of p-tertbutylcalix[8]arene-CdSe/ZnS complex is described, and its fluorescent characteristics are also reported. We found that the interaction between C(60) fullerene and p-tertbutylcalix[8]arene-CdSe/ZnS complex quenches the original fluorescence of calix-QDs according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The mechanism of interaction is discussed. Finally, the potential application of the proposed method using the designed nanosensor for determination of C(60) in spiked environmental river water samples is demonstrated. For the analysis of river samples, a liquid-liquid extraction multistep preconcentration procedure is proposed. The method, which is simple and rapid, allows the detection of 5 μg L(-1) of fullerene. This sensor could be a useful tool for environmental and toxicological studies.