A novel dichromate-sensitive fluorescent nano-chemosensor using new functionalized SBA-15

[Display omitted] ► A novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for Cr 2O 7 2− anion has been developed. ► Channels of modified SBA-15 was modified by fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline. ► Observed remarkable fluorescence of SBA-SPS-AlQ x quenches in presence of Cr 2O 7 2−. ► Linear detecting range of fluorescent nano-chemosensor for Cr 2O 7 2− was 0.16–2.9 μM. ► Lowest limit of detection was also found to be 0.2 ng mL −1 in aqueous solutions. A novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for Cr 2O 7 2− anion has been developed by assembly of fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline (AlQ x ) within the channels of modified SBA-15. SBA-SPS-AlQ x shows a fluorescence emission at 486 nm. The observed remarkable fluorescence of SBA-SPS-AlQ x quenches in presence of Cr 2O 7 2− anion. The results showed that this fluorescent nano-material can be a useful chemo-sensor for determination of dichromate anions in aqueous solutions. The linear detecting range of fluorescent nano-chemosensor for Cr 2O 7 2− anion was 0.16–2.9 μmol L −1. The lowest limit of detection (LDL) was also found to be 0.2 ng mL −1 in aqueous solutions. SBA-SPS-AlQ x showed selectively and sensitively fluorescent quenching response toward Cr 2O 7 2− ion in comparison with I 3 −, NO 3 −, CN −, CO 3 2−, Br −, Cl −, F −, H 2PO 4 − and SO 4 2− ions, which was because of the higher stability of its inorganic complex with dichromate ion.