Polylactic acid micro-nano luminescence fibers with spider-web structure for fluorescence indication to acid gases

Acid gases pose a severe threat to human health, rendering their rapid visual detection imperative, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Compared with other detection methods, fluorescent polymeric micro-nano luminescence fibers offer a promising approach for the visual and rapid monitoring of acid gases. Herein, a type of poly(lactic acid) lumnescent micro-nano fibers with a spider-web structure (PLA-ZNF) were successfully fabricated through electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the spider-web structure constituted more than 80% of the overall structure, endowing the PLA-ZNF with a significantly enhanced specific surface area. The fluorescence spectra indicated that the spider-web structure resulted in a significantly higher fluorescence intensity of PLA-ZNF than that of conventional polylactic acid micro-nano luminescent fibers (PLA-NF). Moreover, PLA-ZNF demonstrated excellent detection ability for acid gases, with response times of only 5 s for hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, and 7 s for formic acid and acetic acid vapors. The combination of good recyclability, flexibility, and mechanical properties of PLA-ZNF as a promising material for the wide application in visual and rapid detection of acid gases.