Nanoparticles and Quantum Dots as Emerging Optical Sensing Platforms for $\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}$ Detection: Recent Approaches and Perspectives

Abstract

Over the preceding years, nickel (Ni) and its compounds have been increasingly employed in various aspects of human social life, metallurgical/industrial manufactures, healthcare, and chemical processes. Although Ni is considered an essential trace element in biological systems, excessive intake or metabolic deficiency of $\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}$ ions may cause detrimental health effects to living organisms. Therefore, a facile and accurate detection of $\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}$, especially in environmental and biological settings, is of huge significance. As an efficient detection method, assaying $\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}$ using optical (colorimetric and/or fluorogenic) sensors has experienced quite a vigorous growth period, with a large number of excellent research contributions. Nanomaterial-based optical sensors, including metal nanoparticles (MNPs), quantum dots (QDs), and carbon dots (CDs), offer distinct advantages over conventional small-molecule organic and inorganic sensors. This study mainly provides an overview of the recent advancements and challenges related to the design strategies of various optical nanosensors to selectively detect the $\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}$ ion. Emphasis has also been placed on comparing the sensing performance of various nanosensors, along with exploring future perspectives.