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Rapid and visual detection of fluoride ions based on ionic self-assembly of tetraphenylethylene derivative
Han-Jun Huang1, Shi-Qing Wong2, Kai-Li Tian2
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, Tianjin, 300350, PR China; Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University Ningbo, 315201, PR China.
Abstract:
A novel fluorescent sensor based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative (TPE-DHAB) was developed for the selective and sensitive detection of F- in aqueous environments. Its performance was characterized using UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental results showed that TPE-DHAB exhibits a strong interaction with Fe3+, with fluorescence quenching occurring through chelation and non-radiative energy transfer. Upon the introduction of fluoride ions (F-), they specifically bind to Fe3+, leading to the restoration of TPE-DHAB assembly and fluorescence. This "turn-on" fluorescence response enables rapid, selective and highly sensitive detection of F-, with a detection limit of 9.40 × 10-8 M. The TPE-DHAB sensor offers a simple, cost-effective and practical solution for detecting trace levels of fluoride in environmental and biological samples, with significant potential for public health applications.
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