The first optical sensor for Cu(II) detection, with upconverting luminescent nanoparticles as an excitation source, showing high selectivity and good linear Stern-Volmer characteristics, has been achieved through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process between NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) and RB-hydrazide. The sensing mechanism is then discussed.
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012