A Fluorescent Chemosensor with a Hybridized Local and Charge Transfer Nature and Aggregation‐Induced Emission Effect for the Detection of Picric Acid

Abstract

AbstractA novel fluorescent molecule TPA‐CO, which exhibited a hybridized local and charge transfer (HLCT) nature and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect, was developed and utilized as a chemosensor for the detection of picric acid (PA) in both organic solution and water. It was found that TPA‐CO exhibited apparent fluorescent quenching along with the color change to yellow upon the addition of PA. Notably, more sensitive detection was achieved in the H2O: THF (9:1) medium, with the LOD almost two third lower than that in pure THF. Such more sensitive response in aqueous solution was accomplished by the synergy of HLCT and AIE effects in TPA‐CO nanoparticles, which facilitated both highly efficient fluorescence in the absence of PA and rapid quenching rate in the presence of PA, respectively. Therefore, it is proposed an effective design strategy by integrating HLCT and AIE effects for developing PA chemosensors.