A simple water-soluble phenazine dye for colorimetric/ fluorogenic dual-mode detection and removal of Cu2+ in natural water and plant samples

Detection and removal of heavy metal ions in a variety of complex water systems using dyes remains a challenge. Here we have developed a rapid, low-cost, on-site water-soluble dye for the colorimetric/fluorogenic detection and removal of copper ions in natural water and plant samples. By comparing with dye molecule AHP, this water-soluble phenazine dye (AHPN) has a high fluorescence quantum yield and excellent coordinated ability with copper ions. AHPN can effectively remove copper ions in various natural water samples due to its strong binding ability with Cu2+. Moreover, the test strips also were fabricated and successfully used for real-time detection of Cu2+ in water with simple-to-use, low-cost, quick response and provide an obvious effect by naked-eye. All data in this experiment showed that this water-soluble phenazine dye AHPN has excellent effect on the detection and removal of Cu2+. A rapid, low-cost, real-time and water-soluble phenazine dye (AHPN) was constructed for the colorimetric and fluorogenic detection of copper ions. At the same time, it shows excellent removal ability of copper ions in natural water samples. [Display omitted] •A water-soluble phenazine dye (AHPN) was synthesized.•AHPN can detect Cu2+ with colorimetric/fluorogenic in water and plant samples.•AHPN can effectively remove Cu2+ in natural water samples.•The test strips based on phenazine dye AHPN also were fabricated.