The exploration of emerging functionalized quantum dots (QDs) through modulating the effective interaction between the sensing element and target analyte is of great significance for high-performance trace sensing. Here, the chromone-based ligand grafted QDs (QDs-Chromone) were initiated to realize the electronic energy transfer (EET) driven specifically by ethylenediamine (EDA) in the absence of spectral overlap. The fluorescent and colorimetric dual-mode responses (from red to blue and from colorless to yellow, respectively) resulting from the expanded conjugated ligands reinforced the analytical selectivity, endowing an ultrasensitive and specific response to submicromolar-liquid of EDA. In addition, a QDs-Chromone-based sensing chip was constructed to achieve the ultrasensitive recognition of EDA vapor with a naked-eye observed response at a concentration as low as 10 ppm, as well as a robust anti-interfering ability in complicated scenarios monitoring. We expect the proposed EET strategy in shaping functionalized QDs for high-performance sensing will shine light on both rational probe design methodology and deep sensing mechanism exploration.
© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.