Hectorite/Phenanthroline-Based Nanomaterial as Fluorescent Sensor for Zinc Ion Detection: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

The study focuses on the development of a hectorite/phenanthroline-based nanomaterial as a fluorescent sensor for detecting Zn ions in water. Hectorite, a biocompatible and cost-effective clay mineral, serves as a carrier for phenanthroline, which typically has low solubility in water. The interaction between phenanthroline and hectorite was analyzed using various techniques, including thermogravimetry, FT-IR, UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopies, and XRD, with morphology examined via scanning electron microscopy. The nanomaterial's effectiveness as a Zn2+ ion sensor was evaluated through fluorescence measurements, demonstrating its potential for specific and stable Zn ion detection compared to other metal ions.