The surface of the silicon nanowire was covalently modified with silane derivative of acenaphthene to form a 'turn-on'. uorescence sensor for Zn(II). The fluorescent intensities of the sensor were linearly increased with the increment of the Zn(II) concentration in the range of 0.0-20 mu M, and a good selectivity and sensitivity to Zn(II) were obtained. Differently from conventional Zn(II) ion fluorescence sensor, the present sensor could be repeatedly used and exhibit a facilitation in practical application. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.