Highly stable and selective measurement of Fe 3+ ions under environmentally relevant conditions via an excitation-based multiwavelength method using N, S-doped carbon dots

Fast and accurate detection of Fe under relevant natural conditions is important in environmental monitoring. In this study, an improved and simplified fluorescence method based on the multiwavelength luminescence in the visible region and the avoidance of the self-quenching property of N, S-doped carbon dots (NSC-Dots) was developed for the first time to determine Fe concentration under varied environmental conditions. This method can simultaneously save time and provide accurate information. The as-prepared NSC-Dots exhibit two stable excitation peaks from 200 nm to 450 nm at a fixed emission wavelength (λ = 450 nm). A standard equation (R = 0.995) can be derived by measuring the quenching degree of the two peaks and referring to Stern-Volmer theory. Thus, Fe concentration was accurately determined. The interference of the environmentally relevant concentrations of other metal ions, humic acid, and pH on Fe measurement was tested. Results showed that the standard equation can be used to accurately determine Fe concentration within the range of the 95% prediction band. The fast and facile multiwavelength method may facilitate the real-time monitoring of Fe concentration in complex water environments.