Quantum dots in organo-modified layered double hydroxide framework-improved peroxynitrous acid chemiluminescence for nitrite sensing

In this study, the directional luminescent quantum dot (QD)-layered double hydroxide (LDH) assembly was fabricated by embedding the trace QDs onto the exterior surface of the organo-modified LDHs. It was found that this novel nanomaterial was able to extraordinarily improve an ultra-weak chemiluminescence (CL) emission from peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH). The enhanced CL emission was attributed to the electrostatic concentration of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) onto the orderly surface of the QD-organo-modified LDHs as well as the hydrophobic microenvironment of the organo-LDHs, facilitating the production of superoxide radical (O2−) and hydroxyl radical (OH). In addition, the CL intensity increased with increasing the concentration of nitrite in a wide range of 1.0–1000 μM with a detection limit of 0.3 μM (S/N = 3). Therefore, the proposed method was applied for the selective and sensitive detection of nitrite in sausage samples. Recoveries from spiked real samples were in the range of 96–103%. The results of the proposed method for sensing nitrite in real samples were agreed with those obtained by the standard spectrophotometric method.