Sensitive and Facile HCOOH Fluorescence Sensor Based on Highly Active Ir Complexes' Catalytic Transfer Hydrogen...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Sensitive detection of formic acid (HCOOH) is challenging due to its polarity and weak optical properties.
• Formic acid plays a crucial role as a hydrogen source in activating iridium (Ir) complexes for catalytic hydrogenation.
• Developing selective and sensitive detection methods for HCOOH is essential for various chemical processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and sensitive fluorescence sensor for the detection of formic acid (HCOOH).
• To utilize an optimal catalytic fluorescence generation system for enhanced detection capabilities.
• To explore the potential of HCOOH as a hydrogen source in catalytic processes involving Ir complexes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a fluorescence sensor system combining a phenyl-pyrazole-type Ir-complex (PP-Ir-Cl) and a coumarin-type fluorescence probe (P-coumarin).
• Optimization of the catalytic fluorescence generation system for HCOOH detection.
• Evaluation of the sensor's sensitivity and specificity towards HCOOH and its related compounds (formates).

Main Results:

• The developed sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity for HCOOH and formates.
• Achieved limits of detection for HCOOH, sodium formate (HCOONa), and triethylamine formate (HCOOEt3N) were 50.6 ppb, 68.0 ppb, and 146.0 ppb, respectively.
• The sensor exhibited superior detection accuracy and sensitivity compared to existing methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed fluorescence sensor provides a novel and effective method for detecting formic acid.
• The catalytic fluorescence generation system offers a promising platform for designing other chemical sensors.
• This work highlights the utility of HCOOH in activating Ir catalysts and its potential in chemical sensing applications.