A novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based fiber optic arsenic [As (III)] sensor is presented using alpha-Fe2O3/SnO2 core-shell nanostructure [abbreviated as (alpha-Fe/Sn) CS] synthesized using hydrolysis. Due to its extraordinary properties, such as very large surface area, great adsorption capabilities, and chemical reactivity, alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles offer excellent sensitivity and selectivity for As (III), while SnO2 shows great catalytic properties. To achieve the best sensing performance, the (alpha-Fe/Sn) CS is synthesized at different temperatures, and its morphological study is carried out using transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the probe fabricated over the silver-coated unclad core of the fiber with optimized fabrication temperature and attachment time of (alpha-Fe/Sn) CS is investigated for 0-100 mu g/L concentration of As (III). The sensor possesses the limit of detection of 0.47 mu g/L. Further, the roles of common interferands in sensor performance are investigated. The sensor possesses the advantages of real-time detection, capability of remote sensing, and online monitoring, which uphold its industrial application. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America
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