An optical sensor for Cu(II) detection with upconverting luminescent nanoparticles as an excitation source.

The first optical sensor for Cu(II) detection, with upconverting luminescent nanoparticles as an excitation source, showing high selectivity and good linear Stern-Volmer characteristics, has been achieved through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process between NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) and RB-hydrazide. The sensing mechanism is then discussed. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012