Surface Functionalized Fluorescent PS Nanobead Based Dual-Distinct Solid State Sensor for Detection of Volatile...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Development of selective and sensitive vapor sensors is crucial for environmental monitoring and safety.
• Solid-state sensors offer advantages in portability and stability compared to liquid-based systems.
• Dual-analyte detection requires sophisticated sensor design capable of distinguishing multiple chemical species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel solid-state dual vapor sensor with high quantum yield.
• To achieve selective detection of electron-deficient nitroaromatics and amine vapors.
• To demonstrate the sensor's potential for real-time applications and recyclability.

Main Methods:

• Miniemulsion polymerization was employed to synthesize polystyrene nanobeads incorporating perylenebisimide (PBI) and oligo (p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) fluorophores.
• Selective surface functionalization with carboxy and amine groups was performed on the nanobeads.
• The emission properties of the functionalized nanobeads were investigated upon exposure to different vapor analytes.

Main Results:

• The synthesized nanobeads (70-180 nm) exhibited near-white emission under UV light.
• Exposure to nitroaromatic vapors selectively quenched OPV emission, resulting in yellow emission.
• Exposure to amine vapors selectively quenched PBI emission, resulting in blue emission.
• Functionalized nanobeads demonstrated enhanced sensing efficiency and fast responsiveness due to hydrogen bonding interactions.
• Free-standing films of the sensor showed efficient real-time detection and recyclability over 8 cycles.

Conclusions:

• A highly efficient solid-state dual vapor sensor was successfully developed using functionalized polystyrene nanobeads.
• The sensor exhibits distinct color changes (white to yellow or blue) for selective detection of nitroaromatics and amines.
• Surface functionality plays a critical role in enhancing sensor performance, enabling practical applications in reusable sensor films.