Pyrene based AIE-active probe for selective detection of picric acid through the inner filter effect channel in aqueous medium

Abstract

The development of pyrene derivatives possessing the AIE feature have emerged as an intriguing area of research with potential applications in several domains. In the present study, we designed and developed an AIE active pyrene derivative for picric acid sensing in an aqueous medium. The design based on a single step condensation reaction and the product has been meticulously characterized by using NMR and Mass spectrometric techniques. In comparison to pristine pyrene, the synthesized pyrene derivative has a lower bandgap energy as a result of the intramolecular charge transfer between pyrene and 4-(methylthio)-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-carbonitrile. The synthesized probe demonstrates a moderate level of fluorescence when dissolved in a solution, and it has exhibited a remarkable emission caused by aggregation at higher water percentages. The aggregates were meticulously characterized by DLS, SEM and TEM measurements. The spherically shaped aggregates have shown enhanced fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime, rendering them a more suitable option for sensor applications. The aggregates were effectively employed as a fluorescent probe for the detection of picric acid in an aqueous medium. The probe exhibited a notable level of selectivity and sensitivity towards picric acid, as evidenced by its low detection limit of 4.47 nM. Moreover, the quenching mechanism was ascribed to the inner filter effect, providing supporting evidence from both experimental and mathematical calculations. The findings indicate that the probe has potential as a feasible choice for a picric acid sensor.