A novel AIE-based imidazolium for carbonate ion detection

• Published in: Dyes and pigments Vol. 224; p. 112018
• Main Authors: Cheng, Geng-Jin-Sheng, Liu, Ya-Ping, Xiong, Zhao, Lang, Wei, Zhang, Zhen-Wen, Cao, Qian-Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Aggregation-induced emission; Carbonate ion; Fluorescence; Sensing; Fluorescence; Sensing; Aggregation-induced emission; Carbonate ion
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2024.112018

A novel AIE-based imidazolium fluorescent chemosensor TBTD-IA was designed and synthesized for highly selective and sensitive detection of carbonate ion (CO32−) in aqueous solution. TBTD-IA contains a triphenylamine-based red emission core, imidazolium and amide anions donors, and a long alkyl chain. It shows a good amphiphilic properties, and self-assembles nano-aggregation with a red emission at 631 nm in aqueous solution. After the addition of carbonate ion, the fluorescence of TBTD-IA is quenched, with the detection limit value as low as 4.27 nM, which can be used for the detection of CO32− in real-world water samples. Furthermore, TBTD-IA shows good biocompatibility and can image CO32− in living cells. •A novel AIE-based imidazolium fluorescent probe TBTD-IA was synthesized.•The probe is highly selective and sensitive for the detection of carbonate ion.•It can be used for the detection of CO32− in real-world water samples.•It shows good biocompatibility and can image CO32− in living cells.