What is it about?
A neutral conjugated polymer poly-p-phenylene (PPP) derivative was synthesized by oxidative polymerization. The synthesized polymer poly(1,4-bis-(8-(4-phenylthiazole-2-thiol)-octyloxy)-benzene) (PPT) displays fluorescence “turn-off/turn-on” characteristics and colorimetric responses to I– and Hg2+. The UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra of the PPT showed a significant shift in λmax via the addition of iodides and mercury. The Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv) value obtained for the detection of iodide is 0.13 × 105 M–1, confirming very high sensitivity of this polymer for iodide salts. The detection limit of Hg2+ salt using the PPT polymer was found to be 2.1 nM in water. The detection of both iodide and mercury was also possible in solid state by using a membrane film prepared by mixing 1% PPT in polystyrene. This membrane changes color in the presence of iodide as well as mercury salts.
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Why is it important?
The experimental analysis performed on thiazole containg conjugated PPT polymer reveals that this polymer can be applied for the colorimetric as well as fluorometric sensing of I– and Hg2+ ions in a competent environment in solution, as well as in the solid state, using a membrane film rapidly.
Perspectives
A neutral conjugated polymer (CP), poly(1,4-bis-(8-(4-phenylthiazole-2-thiol)-octyloxy)-benzene) (PPT), was synthesized using an oxidative polymerization reaction. The polymer PPT showed high optical activity in the presence of I– and Hg2+, which could be detected by fluorescence spectroscopy as well by colorimetric responses in very low quantities by the naked eye. The colorless PPT solution changed to a deep yellow color upon the addition of iodide salts. The yellow color disappeared in the presence of very dilute Hg2+ salts, which could also be visualized by the naked eye. The PPT-based detection platform was further extended to the solid state by preparing a membrane using 1% PPT in polystyrene, and this free-standing membrane also showed the capability to detect and respond to both iodide and mercury salts. The PPT-based detection system is very simple and economical to prepare, highly sensitive, and can rapidly detect iodide and mercury in competitive environments.
Dr. SIDDHARTHA DE
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Thiazole-Containing Conjugated Polymer as a Visual and Fluorometric Sensor for Iodide and Mercury, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, March 2013, American Chemical Society (ACS),
DOI: 10.1021/am400123j.
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