Fluorescent copolymer aggregate sensor for lithium chloride.

Authors :: Wang H
Jones LO
Zhao T
Hwang I
Lynch VM
Khashab NM
Schatz GC
Page ZA
Sessler JL
Source :: Chemical science [Chem Sci] 2023 Mar 22; Vol. 14 (15), pp. 4120-4125. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Mar 22 (Print Publication: 2023).
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: We report a copolymeric fluorescent sensor that is selective for lithium chloride. The two constituent polymers comprise pendent triphenylethylene (TPE) moieties for aggregate induced emission (AIE) along with either strapped-calix[4]pyrrole or secondary ammonium groups that drive aggregation via self-assembly upon polymer mixing. Addition of LiCl in acetonitrile disrupts the strapped-calix[4]pyrrole/secondary ammonium chloride salt host-guest crosslinks leading to disaggregation of the polymer chains and a decrease in TPE emission. The lack of AIE perturbation upon addition of NaCl, KCl, MgCl <subscript>2</subscript> or CaCl <subscript>2</subscript> provides for high selectivity for LiCl relative to potential interferants. This supramolecular dual polymer approach could serve as a complement to more traditional sensor systems.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.<br /> (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)