A novel permanganate-sensitive fluorescent nano-chemosensor assembled with a new 8-hydroxyquinoline-functionalized SBA-15

► A novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for MnO4− anion has been developed. ► Channels of modified SBA-15 was modified by fluorescent aluminum complex. ► Observed remarkable fluorescence of SBA-SPS-AlQ quenches in presence of MnO4−. ► Linear range of fluorescent nano-chemosensor for MnO4− was 0.16–4.6μmolL−1. A novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for MnO4− anion has been developed by assembly of fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) within the channels of modified SBA-15 (SBA-SPS-QAl). The ordered porous structure of SBA-15 is still retained after hybridization by chemosensor material. A remarkable fluorescent quenching of SBA-SPS-QAl was attributed to the effect of MnO4− anion. The linear detecting range of the hybrid mesoporous chemosensor is 0.16–4.6μmolL−1 of MnO4− anion and the lowest detection limit is 0.2ngmL−1 in the aqueous solution. SBA-SPS-QAl showed a selective and sensitive fluorescent quenching response toward MnO4− ion in comparison with N3−, NO3−, CN−, HCO3−, Cl−, F−, H2PO4−, SO42−, Cr2O72−, IO3− and I− ions, which was because of the higher stability of its inorganic complex with permanganate anion.