Novel Multifunctional Luminescent Electrospun Fluorescent Nanofiber Chemosensor-Filters and Their Versatile Sensing of pH, Temperature, and Metal Ions
Open Access
- 13 November 2018
- Vol. 10 (11), 1259
- https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10111259
Abstract
Novel multifunctional fluorescent chemosensors composed of electrospun (ES) nanofibers with high sensitivity toward pH, mercury ions (Hg2+), and temperature were prepared from poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-N-methylolacrylamide-co-rhodamine derivative) (poly(NIPAAm-co-NMA-co-RhBN2AM)) by employing an electrospinning process. NIPAAm and NMA moieties provide hydrophilic and thermo-responsive properties (absorption of Hg2+ in aqueous solutions), and chemical cross-linking sites (stabilization of the fibrous structure in aqueous solutions), respectively. The fluorescent probe, RhBN2AM is highly sensitive toward pH and Hg2+. The synthesis of poly(NIPAAm-co-NMA-co-RhBN2AM) with different compositions was carried on via free-radical polymerization. ES nanofibers prepared from sensory copolymers with a 71.1:28.4:0.5 NIPAAm:NMA:RhBN2AM ratio (P3 ES nanofibers) exhibited significant color change from non-fluorescent to red fluorescence while sensing pH (the λPL, max exhibited a 4.8-fold enhancement) or Hg2+ (at a constant Hg2+ concentration (10−3 M), the λPL, max of P3-fibers exhibited 4.7-fold enhancement), and high reversibility of on/off switchable fluorescence emission at least five times when Hg2+ and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were sequentially added. The P3 ES nanofibrous membranes had a higher surface-to-volume ratio to enhance their performance than did the corresponding thin films. In addition, the fluorescence emission of P3 ES nanofibrous membranes exhibited second enhancement above the lower critical solution temperature. Thus, the ES nanofibrous membranes prepared from P3 with on/off switchable capacity and thermo-responsive characteristics can be used as a multifunctional sensory device for specific heavy transition metal (HTM) in aqueous solutions.Keywords
This publication has 40 references indexed in Scilit:
- Children with health impairments by heavy metals in an e-waste recycling areaChemosphere, 2016
- Highly Selective Fluorescence Sensing of Mercury Ions over a Broad Concentration Range Based on Mixed Polymeric MicellesMacromolecules, 2012
- Responsive Polymers-Based Dual Fluorescent Chemosensors for Zn2+Ions and Temperatures Working in Purely Aqueous MediaAnalytical Chemistry, 2011
- Rhodamine-based probes for metal ion-induced chromo-/fluorogenic dual signaling and their selectivity towards Hg(ii) ionOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 2011
- Ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent pH and temperature probes constructed from dye-labeled thermoresponsive double hydrophilic block copolymersJournal of Materials Chemistry, 2011
- Facile synthesis of rhodamine-based highly sensitive and fast responsive colorimetric and off-on fluorescent reversible chemosensors for Hg2+: preparation of a fluorescent thin film sensorDalton Transactions, 2011
- Synthesis, thermomorphic characteristics, and fluorescent properties of poly[2,7-(9,9-dihexylfluorene)]-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide) rod-coil-coil triblock copolymersSoft Matter, 2009
- Cu(II)-Selective Green Fluorescence of a Rhodamine−Diacetic Acid ConjugateOrganic Letters, 2007
- Neuromotor deficits and mercury concentrations in rats exposed to methyl mercury and fish oilNeurotoxicology and Teratology, 2005
- Minamata Disease: Methylmercury Poisoning in Japan Caused by Environmental PollutionCritical Reviews in Toxicology, 1995