One-pot green and simple synthesis of polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped for copper nanoclusters for high selectivity sensing of fluazinam

In this contribution, polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped copper nanoclusters (PVP-Cu NCs) were synthesised through a one-pot route possessing the advantages of rapidness and environmental friendliness. Also, the optical characteristics of the as-prepared Cu NCs were characterised using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The structure and composition were studied through Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It exhibited good water solubility, excellent photo stability, and resistance to sodium chloride. The Cu NCs revealed blue fluorescence and displayed excitation-dependent fluorescence characteristics. More importantly, the fluorescence intensity of PVP-Cu NCs was linearly quenched in the range of 5–80 μM (concentrations of fluazinam) and the detection limit was 0.98 μM. Finally, the fluorescence sensor was successfully employed to detect fluazinam in natural water samples.