Optical recognition and removal of Hg(II) using a new self-chemosensor based on a modified amino-functionalized Al-MOF

[Display omitted] •A new optical self-chemosensor has been prepared by reaction of ninhydrin with amino-functionalized aluminum-based MOF.•The new sensor displayed an ultra-fast, sensitive and selective, recognition of Hg(II) with a very low detection limit (LOD∼0.494μgL−1).•The new robust sensor exhibited long-term stability and high reusability.•Digital Image-Based Colorimetric Analysis was also used for determination the concentration of Hg(II).•The constructed sensor was successfully applied to the determination and removal of Hg(II) from silver oxide button cells. We developed a simple self-chemical optical sensor for the monitoring and removal of ultra-trace levels of Hg(II) from aqueous media. The development of this sensor was based on the covalent attachment of amino-functionalized aluminum-based MOF particles with ninhydrin. The new sensor is densely coated with a chelating ligand to permit an ultra-fast, selective, pH-dependent visualization for removal of Hg(II) with detection limit (LOD∼0.494μgL−1). Monitoring was accomplished via both a colorimetric signal visible to the naked eye as well as UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Digital image-based colorimetric analysis has also used as a semi-quantitative analysis for determination the concentration of Hg(II) ions as a fast, sensitive and low-cost colorimetric detection system. Further, the new robust sensor exhibited long-term stability and high reusability. The developed sensor was also successfully applied to the determination and removal of Hg(II) from silver oxide button cells.