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Dual-Mode Methanol Sensing via Smartphone-Assisted Intelligent Sensor Based on Benzothiazole Donor-Acceptor
Shijie Liao1, Wenwen Chen1, Zhengxing Zeng1
1Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Molecular Targeted Diagnostic & Therapeutic Drugs, Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of High Performance Scientific Computation, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel small molecule probes for efficient methanol detection. These probes enable quantitative analysis in various solvents and even in biodiesel, with smartphone integration for convenience.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Methanol is a vital solvent with environmental and biological implications.
- Excess methanol necessitates efficient detection methods for safety and monitoring.
- Existing detection methods may lack specificity or ease of operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel small molecule probes for sensitive and selective methanol detection.
- To investigate the sensing mechanism and performance of these probes in various organic solvents.
- To demonstrate the practical application of these probes for methanol detection in biodiesel using smartphone technology.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of four novel D-A-A-D structured small molecule probes (DBZ-H, DBZ-Me, DBZ-Bu, DBZ-OMe).
- Fluorescence spectroscopy and theoretical calculations to study probe properties and sensing mechanisms.
- Quantitative detection of methanol in organic solvents and biodiesel samples.
- Development of a smartphone-assisted dual-mode detection system.
Main Results:
- Probes exhibit distinct fluorescence emission and large Stokes shifts due to their conjugated push-pull system.
- Quantitative detection of methanol achieved through intensity and wavelength modes with high selectivity over other alcohols.
- Low detection limits for methanol achieved (0.054% to 0.044%).
- Successful application of probes for methanol detection in biodiesel.
- Dual-mode detection demonstrated using a smartphone interface.
Conclusions:
- The developed small molecule probes offer an efficient, selective, and convenient method for methanol detection.
- The probes' performance is attributed to specific hydrogen-bonding interactions and molecular size recognition.
- Smartphone integration provides a user-friendly platform for real-time methanol monitoring, particularly in biodiesel.
