A targetable fluorescent sensor for hypochlorite based on a luminescent europium complex loaded carbon nanotubeElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2an16247d

A new europium complex covalently modified single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) was reported here as an emissive nanosensor for the determination of hypochlorite. FT-IR, UV-vis, TEM and SEM proved that it was successfully linked to the SWNT surface. A luminescence quenching effect of this nanoprobe was rapidly observed in the presence of ClO . Moreover, the quenching process can be detected within 1 s and the detection limit could reach 9 10 8 M. We regarded that the ligand exchange process and the high vibration energy of the ClO resulted in this selective recognition behavior. A new europium complex covalently modified single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) was reported here as an emissive nanosensor for the determination of hypochlorite; the quenching process can be detected within 1 s and the detection limit could reach 9 10 8 M.