A highly sensitive ratiometric near-infrared nanosensor based on erbium-hyperdoped silicon quantum dots for iron(Ⅲ) detection

Ratiometric fluorescent detection of iron(Ⅲ) (Fe3+) offers inherent self-calibration and contactless analytic capabilities. However, realizing a dual-emission near-infrared (NIR) nanosensor with a low limit of detection (LOD) is rather challenging. In this work, we report the synthesis of water-dispersible erbium-hyperdoped silicon quantum dots (Si QDs:Er), which emit NIR light at the wavelengths of 810 and 1540 nm. A dual-emission NIR nanosensor based on water-dispersible Si QDs:Er enables ratiometric Fe3+ detection with a very low LOD (0.06 μM). The effects of pH, recyclability, and the interplay between static and dynamic quenching mechanisms for Fe3+ detection have been systematically studied. In addition, we demonstrate that the nanosensor may be used to construct a sequential logic circuit with memory functions.