A triarylamine-based fluorescent covalent organic framework for efficient detection and removal of Mercury(II) ion

Abstract

A novel covalent organic framework (COF) polymer has been designed and synthesized by Suzuki polymerization of two monomers based on triarylamine derivatives, and the polymer displays nanosphere morphology due to mini-emulsion reaction system. On the basis of the above polymer, we further fabricated a Schiff base covalent organic framework polymer fluorescent sensor for efficient detection and removal of mercury(II) ions. The material underwent a fluorescence and colour change upon the touching of mercury(II) ions. Thus, taking advantage of the material to detect the presence of mercury(II) ions is quite convenient. Furthermore, the material is capable of efficiently adsorbing mercury(II) ions from aqueous solution. The fluorescence sensing device was successfully fabricated by immobilizing the polymer probe on a macroporous sponge, which was more convenient to detect and remove mercury(II) ions relative to powdery polymer probe.