Fluorescent conjugated polymers (FCPs) have received significant attention because of their ability to function as chemosensors in the detection of metal cations in environmental and biological systems with both sensitivity and selectivity. Compared to traditional solution based FCPs, a more practical approach to application is to fabricate inexpensive and portable solid state field-based sensing devices. Previous studies in the Jones group have shown that the photophysical properties of the solid state chemosensors are significantly affected by intermolecular interactions among polymer chains. A functionalized fluorescent conjugated polymer, (tmeda-PPpETE) poly[(pentiptycene ethynylene)-alt-(thienylene ethynylene)] with a N,N,N'-trimethylethyleneamino receptor, was designed and synthesized . The rigid 3-D framework of the polymer backbones can prevent p-stacking of polymer chains, and consequently, increase fluorescent quantum yield of the solid state chemosensor. Electronspun fibers of this polymer were fabricated with a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix, which gives more surface/volume ratio in the solid state increasing the probability of contact between metal analyte and receptor. Photophysical characterization including UV-Vis absorption and emission, fluorescent quantum yield and fluorescent quenching with metal cations have been investigated in order to compare results from the solution based FCPs to this newly developed solid state chemosensor.

Electrospun fibers of fluorescent conjugated polymer with 3D backbone as metal cation chemosensor

247th National Meeting (2014)

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