Multilayer Chiral 3D AIE-Active Polymers as Ultrasensitive Fe³⁺/Cr⁶⁺ Fluorescent Probes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) is crucial for developing advanced fluorescent materials.
• Chiral polymers offer unique properties for molecular recognition and sensing.
• Controlling nanoscale aggregation is key to optimizing AIE performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize two multilayer chiral 3D polymers with AIE properties.
• To investigate the impact of terminal functional groups on polymer aggregation and AIE behavior.
• To evaluate the polymers' potential as fluorescent probes for metal ion detection.

Main Methods:

• Suzuki-Miyaura crosslinking reactions for polymer synthesis.
• Characterization of polymer structure and aggregation behavior.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy for AIE and metal ion sensing studies.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of two chiral 3D polymers with significant AIE properties.
• Polymers with less sterically hindered termini formed more uniform aggregates, enhancing AIE.
• Ultrasensitive detection of Fe3+ and Cr6+ ions at nanomolar levels with high selectivity.
• Terminal groups influenced sensing mechanisms, with boronic ester enhancing Fe3+ detection.

Conclusions:

• Molecular structure profoundly impacts nanoscale aggregation and macroscopic AIE function.
• These AIE polymers are effective fluorescent probes for environmental and biomedical sensing.
• The study provides a design paradigm for multifunctional AIE-based smart sensors.