A simple Schiff base fluorescence probe for highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg(2+)and Cu(2.).

A new Schiff base fluorescent probe, 2-(4-(diphenylamine)benzylidene) thiosemicarbazide (DPBT), was synthesized and its sensing behavior to metal ions were studied by UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. The results show that DPBT can detect Hg(2+)sensitively and selectively in weakly acidic and neutral conditions, they form a complex with 2:1. The linear range was 0.095-1.14µM and the detection limit was 0.15nM. In weakly alkaline conditions, DPBT can interaction with Hg(2+)and Cu(2+)at the same time. We use "masking" reagent, NaBH4, to reduce Hg(2+)to Hg°, the detection of Cu(2+)were achieved. They formed 1:1 complex with the binding constant of 4×10(4)M(-1), a good linear relationship in 0.45-3.6µM and the detection limit of 0.17µM. The proposed method was used to determine Hg(2+)and Cu(2+)in tap water and waste water samples.