New Perspectives in Science Education

The determination of heavy metal ions can be used in a variety of contexts: For example, a relationship has been identified between various disease patterns and an oversupply or undersupply of iron(III) ions, which makes it important to examine the iron(III) content of samples. [1] In this context, carbon quantum dots are focused by current research: Some carbon quantum dots show a characteristic fluorescence in aqueous solutions which is extinguished in the presence of iron(III) ions. By using fluorescence spectroscopy and measuring fluorescence intensities in presence and absence of iron(III) ions, a linearized graph can be created determining very low iron(III) ion concentrations in aqueous solutions.[1] In this paper, we present new hands-on approaches and models to teach fluorescence sensing with carbon quantum dots augmenting previous work in chemistry education.[2-3] Referring to the principles of Green Chemistry, we apply naturally available and non-toxic precursors suitable for school purposes. Furthermore, the experiments presented in this paper give an opportunity to bridge the gap between schools and universities: They implement measurement methods like fluorescence spectroscopy and topics of current research which can be connected to curricular relevant contents.