Fatty-chain-switched cationic fluorescent probe for SCN−, PF6−, and HSO3− recognition in water: Study of anion selectivity and sensitivity. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Shaoyuan; Zheng, Ziqi; Zhang, Qi-Long; Ni, Xin-Long
• Is Part Of: Dyes and pigments. Volume 185(2021)Part A
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Anion recognition -- Fluorescent sensing -- Selectivity and sensitivity -- Self-assembly -- AIE; Dyes and dyeing -- Periodicals; Pigments -- Periodicals; 667.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2020.108903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7208

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, a water-soluble cationic fluorescent probe with AIE features exhibited unique sensing of charge-diffuse anions, namely, SCN −, PF6 −, and HSO3 − via ionic interactions and the subtle cooperation of the tunable hydrophobicity. The effect of the fatty chain length on the cationic probes indicated that the sensitivity and selectivity of the probes can be rationally improved by switching their aggregation tendency (hydrophobic effect) in water or by integrating them in the form of a fluorescence chemosensor array. SEM images suggest that different morphologies were formed in the anion-recognition-triggered self-assemblies of the probes, which can be attributed to the different anion molecular geometries. Additionally, the precipitation of the SCN − -recognition complex provided a new insight to the separation of anions from an aqueous environment. Graphical abstract: A water-soluble cationic fluorescent probe with controllable sensitivity and selectivity for anions in water was demonstrated. In particular, the selectivity of the probes for anions was remarkable promoted by integrating them in the form of a fluorescence chemosensor array. Image 1 Highlights: The sensitivity and selectivity of probes for anion can be rationally improved. A novel fluorescence chemosensor array for anion recognition in water was demonstrated. Different morphologies were observed in the anion-recognition-triggered self-assemblies. SCN − could be directly precipitated by the probes in water.