A new luminescent silver-based probe for on/off sulfide determination

Abstract

The sulfide anion is a corrosive, toxic and harmful compound found in a wide range of anoxic environments. Metal-based complexes have been used as luminescent probes for sulfide determination. However, their synthesis usually involves laborious procedures and the use of toxic reagents. In this paper, we describe the synthesis, characterization and application of a new, sensitive and selective silver complex probe for sulfide detection. The process of sulfide determination is based on rapid reaction in aqueous/methanolic media between the silver (I) complex and sulfide leading to an increase in fluorescence intensity. Analytical performance has been studied in the concentration range of 190 to 950 nmol L- 1 of sulfide with suitable linearity, and the limit of detection was calculated to be (3σ/S) to 20 nmol L- 1. The probe's selectivity to S2 - was evaluated over other competing anions showing excellent results and its reversibility was demonstrated upon addition of AgCF3SO3.