Tula State University scientists, with support from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), will conduct research to create a water sensor that can quickly and accurately detect and neutralize toxic substances.

Use of modern technologies and development of new materials can result in additional environmental risks. One such hidden threat is hydroxylamine, a highly toxic substance used in large industries. Its excess in wastewater poses a potential threat to natural ecosystems. To prevent this, hydroxylamine levels must be constantly monitored.

Existing analytical methods are complex, time-consuming, and often lead to errors, confusing hydroxylamine with other compounds. Scientists from the BioChemTechCenter at Tula State University proposed conducting a study using pet coke, a coarse solid waste product from oil refining, as a sample.

This project received a grant from the Russian Science Foundation following the 2026 competition under the priority area “Support for Young Scientists”.

The authors, led by Darya Gennadyevna Lavrova, a leading researcher at the Tula State University Laboratory of Environmental and Medical Biotechnology and a candidate of chemical sciences, applied a top-down approach based on the controlled decomposition of structured carbon materials. Using specialized oxidizing agents, including safe hydrogen peroxide, scientists break down the coke structure into tiny particles - carbon dots.

“This method produces almost no toxic waste, which is environmentally friendly in itself, and it also produces a very pure material”, Darya Lavrova explained. “The second goal is to learn how to detect hydroxylamine among thousands of other molecules. To do this, a special trap molecule, indigo carmine, is placed on the surface of the carbon dots. This results in a synergistic effect. The hybrid material captures hydroxylamine molecules instantly, literally the second they come into contact”.

One of the effects is rapid detection, meaning contamination can be detected within seconds simply by immersing the sensor in water – it is triggered by a low voltage. Another is recycling, where the same material can not only signal danger but also help break down the toxin, purifying the water.

The research team's goal is to create a digital synthesis assistant. Using specialized software and quantum chemical modeling, scientists are studying how exactly a molecule will adhere to the surface of a nanoparticle and how this will affect the sensor's sensitivity. Ultimately, they could create an ideal nanoshield, ensuring that each new batch of sensors operates perfectly.

The researchers set a goal to create a working prototype of the sensor. It will be tested first in artificially polluted water, and then in real samples. This will provide the Tula Region and all interested businesses with a new environmental monitoring technology.

Young scientists plan to publish articles on their research in leading international scientific journals, and the data obtained will form the basis of their PhD dissertation.

Dmitry Litvinov

Photographs by Diana Kvach