Novel multi-analyte responsive ionic supramolecular gels based on pyridinium functionalized-naphthalimide

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Ionic supramolecular gels offer unique properties for sensing applications.
• Developing selective and sensitive detection methods for analytes in aqueous media is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel ionic supramolecular gels (is-G) and their ion-coordinated derivatives.
• To investigate the potential of these gels for selective fluorescent detection of metal ions and amino acids.
• To explore the application of these materials in responsive films for multi-analyte detection and fluorescent displays.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of N-(pyridinium-4-yl)-naphthalimide (G1) based ionic supramolecular gel (is-G).
• Coordination of is-G with iodide (I-) and iron(III) (Fe3+) ions to form is-IG and is-FeG.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to evaluate the sensing capabilities of the gels for Hg2+, L-Arg, and L-Ser.
• Preparation of ion or amino acid responsive films from the synthesized gels.

Main Results:

• Two ion-coordinated ionic supramolecular gels, is-IG and is-FeG, were successfully synthesized.
• is-IG demonstrated selective "turn-on" fluorescent detection of Hg2+ and L-Arg.
• is-FeG exhibited accurate fluorescent detection of L-Ser in water.
• Responsive films based on these gels were prepared, showing potential for multi-analyte detection and fluorescent displays.

Conclusions:

• The developed ionic supramolecular gels and films are effective multi-analyte detection materials.
• These materials exhibit selective fluorescence response to specific ions and amino acids.
• The study highlights the potential of supramolecular gels in advanced sensing and display technologies.