Ultrasensitive Detection of Formaldehyde in Gas and Solutions by a Catalyst Preplaced Sensor Based on a Pillar[5]arene Derivative

Abstract

Abnormal formaldehyde (FA) is known to induce a variety of diseases. Herein, we report a novel and efficient method for ultrasensitive detection of formaldehyde in gas and solutions by a catalyst preplaced sensor based on the pillar[5]arene derivative (DP5J). By the catalyzation of (CF3SO3)2Bi, DP5J could selectively and sensitively sense formaldehyde through an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) “turn-on” response within 7.5 s, and the detection limits for formaldehyde is 3.27 × 10–9 M. Moreover, a FA test kit was prepared by loading the catalyst (CF3SO3)2Bi preplaced DP5J sensor (DP5J-Bi) on a silica gel plate. The test kit could conveniently and efficiently detect formaldehyde in gas or solution with ultrasensitivity. The catalysts preplaced method and FA reaction-induced AIE fluorescence “turn-on” mechanism is a novel approach to achieve ultrasensitive detection of FA. Importantly, it is also a novel approach for the efficient detection of other volatile organic compounds.