Amidoximated fluorescent polymer based sensor for detection of trace uranyl ion in aqueous solution

It is of significance to develop new techniques to determine trace uranyl ion in aqueous solution because it can induce severe threat to human health. We demonstrate here a novel strategy for recognition of uranyl ion with high selectivity and sensitivity by fluorescent polymer containing amidoxime groups. Specifically, the polymeric sensor is obtained by the amidoximation of poly(diimino 2,2-dicyanoethylene). There is a linear responsive range of 10 - 150nM and a fast response time of 200s for the detection of uranyl ions. The sensor shows the strong binding capability and the efficient quenching towards uranyl ions, and can be successfully used for detection of uranyl ion in environmental solution (such as lake water). This work indicates that fluorescent polymer with amidoxime groups may be a promising sensor of uranyl ion in aqueous solution.