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AIE-Active, Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent 2D Block Copolymer Nanoplatelets Based on Corona Chain Compression
Shixing Lei1,2, Jia Tian1, Yuetong Kang1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|September 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed uniform, size-tunable aggregation-induced emission (AIE) nanoplatelets using crystallization-driven self-assembly. These AIE nanoparticles function as sensitive "turn-on" sensors for detecting mercury ions (Hg(II)) with high selectivity and a low detection limit.
Area of Science:
- Nanoscience and Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials offer enhanced luminescence in condensed states but achieving well-defined, uniform nanoparticles remains a challenge.
- Tailorable and uniform AIE-active nanoparticles are crucial for advanced applications in sensing and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for preparing size-tunable and uniform AIE-active 2D nanoplatelets.
- To investigate the formation mechanism of these nanoplatelets and their responsive properties.
- To demonstrate the potential of these AIE nanoplatelets as sensitive sensors for heavy metal ion detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized seeded growth, living crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) of amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs).
- Engineered BCPs with a crystallizable core-forming block and a corona-forming block functionalized with tetraphenylethene (TPE) AIE groups.
- Induced a 1D to 2D morphology transition via solvophobicity for nanoplatelet formation.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared size-tunable, uniform AIE-active 2D nanoplatelets.
- Demonstrated solvent-responsive fluorescent emission from the AIE nanoplatelets.
- Developed proof-of-concept "turn-on" sensors for Hg(II) detection, exhibiting rapid response, high selectivity, and low detection limits (5-125 × 10-9 M).
- Observed nonlinear fluorescence intensity dependence on analyte concentration and correlation with nanoplatelet area, suggesting a cooperative mechanism involving restriction of intramolecular motion (RIM).
Conclusions:
- The seeded growth CDSA method provides precise control over the size and morphology of AIE-active BCP nanoplatelets.
- The developed AIE nanoplatelets are effective and sensitive platforms for Hg(II) ion detection.
- The observed fluorescence response mechanism is linked to steric compression and RIM effects within the BCP corona.
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