Abstract
A highly selective Schiff base PMB3 with AIEE activity was synthesized and characterized for detecting Cu2+ in aqueous media. The PMB3 aggregates exhibit a green fluorescence in the DMF-water mixed solvent, demonstrating a switch-off response specifically to Cu2+ ions over various other biologically significant metal ions. The quenching of fluorescence in PMB3 aggregates is likely attributed to the disassembly caused by the chelation of the imine-N atom and phenolic -O atom of PMB3 aggregates with Cu2+ ions. The molar ratio of the complex formed as per Job’s plot method was 1:1 between PMB3 and Cu2+. The fluorescence lifetime measurements confirmed the involvement of the dynamic quenching process in the reaction cycle. The analysis of the Stern-Volmer plot divulged a quenching constant of 3.75×1015 M−1. Remarkably, the limit of detection was determined to be 16.08×10−15 M (16.08fM), demonstrating a sensitivity far exceeding the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
