Aqueous Polymer Solutions Research Articles

Electro-Responsive Aggregation and Dissolution of Cationic Polymer Using Reversible Redox Reaction of Electron Mediator.

Stimuli-responsive aggregation of polymer chains in water has found a variety of applications in polymer science, biology, and chemical engineering. To date, the majority of the phase transitions between the aggregated and dissolved forms has been observed by changing the solution temperature, and an active and precise control on the phase transition with a high time resolution has been challenging. Herein, a reversible phase transition of poly(allylamine-co-allylurea) (PAU) in an aqueous electrolyte is achieved by electrochemical redox cycling of hexacyanoferrate(II/III) ([Fe(CN)6 ]4-/3- ) ion pair. The aggregation and dissolution cycle can be completed in a high-resolution time frame of as short as 5s. The strong electrostatic interaction between the protonated primary amino group of PAU and the tetravalent [Fe(CN)6 ]4- anion induces the aggregation, while the oxidation to the trivalent [Fe(CN)6 ]3- anion reduces the attractive force, and the polymer chain redissolves in solution. The ureido group of PAU helps the chain-folding process through the formation of inter/intrachain hydrogen-bonding networks, resulting in the sharp phase transition. By using [Fe(CN)6 ]4-/3- as the electron mediator, the electrochemical control on the large transparency change of polymer aqueous solution is realized for the first time.

Thermodynamic modeling procedure for modeling viscosity of polymer solutions

In this work, the density and viscosity of five commonly used polymer aqueous solutions with a concentration range of 1–35 wt%, including polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K25, PVP K30, PVP K90, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), were determined at 293.15–313.15 K. The viscosity data were modeled by Simplified-Eyring-NRTL, Eyring-PC-SAFT and Simplified-Eyring-PC-SAFT models. Based on the correlation between the viscosity and the surface area fraction of solute and solvent, the Theta-Eyring-PC-SAFT model was proposed. The model had the best fitting effect on the viscosity data of PEG, PVP K25, PVP K30, PVP K90 and HPMC, and the correlation coefficients R2 were 0.9998, 0.9988, 0.9995, 0.9999 and 0.9999, respectively. In addition, the viscosity data of other systems in the literatures were also fitted, and the R2 values were all greater than 0.9900, which proved that the Theta-Eyring-PC-SAFT model was universal.

Controlled Crystallization of Acetazolamide from Aqueous Polymeric Solutions for Enhancing Dissolution Rate: Application of Statistical Moment Theory and Molecular Docking

Presence of additives in crystallization process in a controlled manner can lead to different crystal morphologies which could have a favourable impact on drug dissolution rate. Four different hydrophilic polymers (methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and carboxymethyl cellulose) were used for the controlled crystallization of acetazolamide (ACZ) by solvent evaporation technique. Crystal imperfections of ACZ occurred in the lattice of growing crystal when crystallized from aqueous polymeric solution and evaluated using both the traditional Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) (b) and statistical mean value of the XRD peak width (b¢). Crystal imperfection has brought about significant improvement in the dissolution of newly produced acetazolamide crystals. ACZ crystal produced in presence of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (AHPMC) showed crystal imperfection to the maximum extent and also the greatest dissolution of the drug was noticed from AHPMC compared to other crystals. Statistical mean value of the peak width of XRD data as the error-free technique has been utilized successfully for estimating crystallite properties of acetazolamide crystallized from ethanol as solvent and aqueous polymeric solution as anti-solvent. Crystallite properties using traditional Full Width Half Maxima method and the error-free Statistical Moment Analysis were compared. This controlled crystallization technique could be utilized in the design and development of formulation for improved solubility and bioavailability of the drug.

Theoretical study of Sutterby nanofluid considering heat sink/source and activation energy

Recently, the polymer methodologies, in addition to polymer melt, are actually the rheological occurrences containing the normal stresses, non-Newtonian viscous influence and fluctuating with respect to the time elastic properties. The Sutterby liquid that defines the governing model for extremely polymeric aqueous solutions is amongst the utmost essential non-Newtonian liquids. The scientists have established a massive obligation to re-establish exhausting Sutterby nanofluids for heat transfer with respect to the numerous uses of nanofluids. Here, in this paper, the thought of Sutterby nanofluid considering the aspects of activation energy has been elaborated. Additionally, the heat sink/source and magnetic properties have been studied. The suitable conversions have been utilized to attain the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and solved via bvp4c algorithm. The study indicated that velocity field decays for magnetic factor; however, temperature field enhancing for Brownian and thermophoresis is a factor. Furthermore, activation energy and Lewis factors, respectively, have a reversed impact on the concentration field.

Probing emulsion-gel transition in aqueous two-phase systems stabilized by charged nanoparticles: A simple pathway to fabricate water-in-water emulsion-filled gels

Nanoparticle-stabilized water-in-water (w/w) emulsions, an example of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS), can produce low-fat food colloids, edible gels, bio-polymer-based bijels, scaffolds for tissue-engineering, and porous materials. This w/w emulsion is made from two thermodynamically incompatible aqueous-polymer solutions, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) and dextran. Changing the molecular weight of PEO in one aqueous phase stabilizes w/w emulsion. The state diagram we generated using electron and light microscopy provides a novel approach to producing stable emulsion-filled gels and emulsion droplets. The visual examination, brightfield, and fluorescent microscopy studies highlight the role of molecular weight and storage duration. The production of an emulsion-filled gel is ascribed to the “active-filler-particles” arrangement, typically seen when the affinity between droplets stabilized by particles and polymer is substantial. In contrast, we expect the “inactive-filler-particles” arrangement for the samples that undergo phase inversion. The temporal evolution of shear-induced structures recorded using a rheometer demonstrates that these emulsion-filled gels’ viscoelastic properties correspond directly with time, molecular weight, and polymer composition. The emulsion-filled gels generated displayed 90-day storage stability. Our work would help us understand the complex dynamics of w/w emulsion-based formulations that need suitable size, shape, appearance, and shelf life management.

Nematic-isotopic phase separations induced by hydrogen bonding between a rodlike polymer and solvent molecules

ABSTRACT We theoretically study nematic-isotropic phase transitions and phase separations in aqueous rodlike polymer solutions, such as rigid DNA (or rodlike polymer) in water. By taking into the hydrogen bonding between a rodlike polymer and solvent molecules, we predict novel phase diagrams, such as overhang-type coexistence curves with isotropic-nematic ( I + N ) phase separations and re-entrant I + N separations. We demonstrate that the hydrogen bonding between molecules of different components stabilises the nematic phase at lower polymer concentrations and temperatures.

Synthesis of CaCO3-Based Hyperdispersants and Their Application in Aqueous Coatings

As an essential pigment particle in white water-based coatings, light calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is difficult to disperse in water-based systems. The hard-to-disperse particles agglomerate, causing the viscosity of the coating to rise, which in turn affects the quality of the coating. Therefore, in order to obtain efficient dispersion, the hyperdispersant SSS–MPEGA–DMAEA (SMD) has been prepared in this study using sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS), polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate (MPEGA), and dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DMAEA) as monomers through aqueous solution polymerization. Firstly, we utilized the central composite design method to conduct mathematical modeling of the monomer ratios so as to optimize the dispersion performance of the hyperdispersants. Secondly, the structural characteristics and molecular weight distribution of SMD were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and GPC. Then, the effect of SMD on the dispersion of the CaCO3 slurry was investigated through particle size distribution and TEM measurements. Finally, we applied the SMD in aqueous white coatings and tested the surface properties of the paint film by SEM as well as the stability of the paint film. The results showed that SMD can significantly reduce the viscosity and particle size of the CaCO3 slurry. The waterborne coatings prepared by SMD had good storage stability and corrosion resistance, so the materials owned broad application prospects.

Development and Evaluation of an Innovative Approach Using Niosomes Based Polymeric Microneedles to Deliver Dual Antioxidant Drugs.

Ascorbic acid (AA) and caffeine (CAFF) work to protect cells from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and slow down the photoaging process of the skin. However, cosmetic application of AA and CAFF is limited due to poor penetration across the skin and rapid oxidation of AA. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the dermal delivery of dual antioxidants utilizing microneedles (MNs) loaded with AA and CAFF niosomes. The niosomal nanovesicles were prepared using the thin film method and had particle sizes ranging from 130.6-411.2 nm and a negative Zeta potential of around -35 mV. The niosomal formulation was then combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) to create an aqueous polymer solution. The best skin deposition of AA and CAFF was achieved with the formulation containing 5% PEG 400 (M3) and PVP. Furthermore, the role of AA and CAFF as antioxidants in preventing cancer formation has been well-established. Here we validated the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid (AA) and caffeine (CAFF) in a novel niosomal formulation referred to as M3 by testing its ability to prevent H2O2-indued cell damage and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results showed that M3 was able to shield MCF-7 cells from H2O2 induced damage at concentrations below 2.1 µg/mL for AA and 1.05 µg/mL for CAFF, and also exhibited anticancer effects at higher concentrations of 210 µg/mL for AA and 105 µg/mL. The formulations were stable for two months at room temperature in terms of moisture and drug content. The use of MNs and niosomal carriers could be a promising approach for dermal delivery of hydrophilic drugs like AA and CAFF.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of water‐absorbing resin coated with polymethyl methacrylate as a lost circulation material

AbstractLost circulation will cause huge economic losses every year. In order to effectively reduce the harm of lost circulation to drilling, it is particularly important to use reasonable and efficient lost circulation materials (LCM). As a kind of water‐absorbing, expandable and deformable LCM, water‐absorbing resin can adapt to holes and cracks of different sizes. In this study, a kind of encapsulated water‐absorbing resin LCM (PMMA/PNAD) was proposed. The water‐absorbing resin is synthesized by acrylamide (AM), 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐propane sulfonic acid (APMS) and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) as reaction monomers through aqueous solution polymerization. The shell material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which is coated on the surface of the water‐absorbing resin by oil phase separation method. The results of the experimental evaluation indicate that the water‐absorbing resin possesses robust water‐absorbing and swelling properties, which significantly affect the rheological properties of the drilling fluid. However, the coated shell can effectively mitigate the impact of the absorbent resin on the drilling fluid. Under the formation environment of 100°C or 2 Mpa, the shell can soften or break to release the absorbent resin. The lost circulation control performance test results show that PMMA/PNAD has good pressure bearing capacity, and can still maintain good lost circulation control at 6.9 Mpa.

Effect of initial water saturation on the performance of fracturing fluids with and without polyallylamine under simulated EGS conditions

Objectives/scopeStimuFrac (US Patents 9,873,828 B2 and 9,447,315 B2), a CO2-reactive polymer aqueous solution [polyallylamine (PAA) 1wt% in water] combined with CO2, can potentially be used as a less water-intensive fracturing fluid for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Our previous results show that in hot dry rock (HDR), PAA/CO2 fracturing fluids outperformed other fluids such as water, CO2, and CO2/water in generating large fractures with less fluid consumed. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of initial water saturation on the performance of StimuFrac by conducting hydraulic fracturing tests with ½ foot cubic rock samples held under representative EGS stress/temperature conditions and by using cyclic injection strategies (under constant injection rate). The resulting fracture hydraulic conductivities, breakdown pressures, and volumes of fluids required are compared. Methods/procedures/processTo simulate geothermal reservoir conditions, in all tests, the rock sample was held under triaxial confinement and at 200 °C, and different volumes of water were initially injected into the rock sample before any fracturing processes were initiated. For the single-cycle PAA (or water) alternating CO2 (PAG or WAG) injection fracturing experiments, one complete cycle consisted of two steps: (1) injecting a PAA slug (or water slug) followed by (2) injecting CO2 to initiate and propagate the fracture. For experiments involving multiple injection cycles, the CO2 injection pressure is increased until it peaks and begins to decline (indicating fracture initiation at this moment), and then continued being injected for another 30 s to propagate the fracture. Then, these two-step cycles [injection of PAA (or water) followed by CO2 injection (up to 2–4 mL/min)] are repeated. Applications/significance/noveltyThe results of this study suggest that water saturation significantly affects the fracturing fluid transmission into the rock pore space, thus affecting fracture initiation and propagation. In this study, fracturing tests via a single injection cycle or multiple injection cycles were performed. When the rock samples are split in half following testing, it is evident that fracture propagation is considerably restricted under high water saturation conditions (where a three-day initial water injection was conducted) in comparison to stimulation experiments carried out in hot and dry rock. The fractures propagate less than 1/3 of the distance from the wellbore to the outer rock surface, and in some cases, no fracture is generated. This may be caused by leak-off dominating the fracturing process and the fluid injection rate is insufficient to overcome leak-off, even under high injection rate conditions. Additionally, CO2 could be leaking off into the wellbore annulus and this may be making it more difficult to generate sufficiently high-pressure gradients away from the near-wellbore region. Under low water saturation conditions (dry rock or after 1-day initial water injection), PAA/CO2 consistently generated significantly larger fractures compared with the other fluids. CO2 generated large fractures only in the hot dry rock and only when using high injection rates, though data variability is high.

Rapid wetting of shear-thinning fluids

By studying the spreading behavior of aqueous glycerol and polymer solutions on smooth surfaces, we found that shear-thinning solutions behave similarly to water in the initial spreading phase, while glycerol solutions show significantly slower spreading. For the glycerol solutions, an increase in glycerol concentration effectively increases the contact-line friction, resulting in increased resistance to wetting. For the polymeric solutions, however, an increase in polymer concentration does not modify contact-line friction. As a consequence, the energy dissipation at the contact line can not be controlled by varying the amount of additives for shear-thinning fluids.

Polymer and surfactant flows through a periodically constricted tube

The flow of three non-Newtonian fluids, comprising polymer and surfactant additives, in a periodically constricted tube (PCT) are experimentally compared. The radius of the tube walls is sinusoidal with respect to the streamwise direction. The three fluids are aqueous solutions of flexible polymers, rigid biopolymers and surfactants, which are typically used for drag-reduction in turbulent flows. Steady shear viscosity measurements demonstrate that rigid and flexible polymer solutions are shear-thinning, while surfactant solutions have a Newtonian and water-like shear viscosity. Capillary driven extensional rheology demonstrates that only flexible polymer solutions produce elastocapillary thinning. Particle shadow velocimetry is used to measure the velocity of each flow within the PCT at five Reynolds numbers spanning roughly 0.5 to 300. Relative to the Newtonian flows, rigid polymer solutions exhibit a blunt velocity profile. Flexible polymer solutions demonstrate a distinct chevron-shaped velocity contour and zones of opposing vorticity when the Deborah number exceeds 0.1. Using the vorticity transport equation, it is revealed that the opposing vorticity zones are coupled with a non-Newtonian torque. The PCT reveals that the surfactant solutions have similar non-Newtonian features as flexible polymer solutions – those being a chevron velocity pattern, opposing vorticity and a finite non-Newtonian torque. This observation is of practical importance since conventional shear and extensional rheometric measurements are not capable of demonstrating non-Newtonian features of the surfactant solutions. The investigation demonstrates that the PCT serves as a viable geometry for showing the non-Newtonian traits of dilute surfactant solutions.

Structure of interpolymer complex between poly(acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) in aqueous salt solution: a molecular dynamics simulation study

ABSTRACT Inter-macromolecular interaction between uncharged polymers in aqueous solutions can be influenced by concentration of polymer, solvent quality, molecular weight, solution pH, temperature, salt concentration and type of salt. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous NaCl solution containing poly(acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) are presented. The size of the polymer chains decreases with an increase in salt concentration resulting from water becoming a poor solvent which enhances compositing of polymers. A close pair is formed between carboxylic hydrogen (−COOH) and ether oxygen (−O−) of the polymer at high salt concentration. The change in structure of the PAA/PEO complex is analysed using simulated SAXS and SANS profiles. The solubility of chains decreases and attains the minimum energy conformation at a particular salt concentration. The solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of the complex at higher salt concentration is less as compared to the lower. Increase in salt concentration enhances the cooperative interaction via hydrogen bonding between PAA and PEO and weakens the polymer-water-hydrogen bonding. The net result is a decrease in solubility of these polymers and thermodynamically stable polymer-polymer complex is formed at higher salt concentrations. Simulation results are in agreement with available experimental data in literature.

Temperature dependent micellization behavior of as synthesized anionic SAILs in aqueous nonionic polymer solutions: conductivity, UV-visible probe and antimicrobial studies

As synthesized surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), Tetrapropylammonium Dodecylsulfate (TPADS), and Tetrabutylammonium Dodecylsulfate (TBADS) have been characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Conductometric and UV-Visible probe investigations have been attempted to study the aggregation behavior of these synthesized SAILs in aqueous solution of polymers Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different temperatures and concentrations. Two breaking points were identified from κ vs [SAILs] plots. First, the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) is recognized with the polymer-SAILs binding and the second being regarded as critical micellar concentration (CMC), suggested to represent saturation point for Polymer-SAIL aggregation. Thermodynamic parameters of micellization ( Δ G m o , Δ H m o and Δ S m o ) are rationalized in terms of interactions prevailing between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of SAIL-Polymer system. Micellization process for the blend of SAIL-PVP is found to be more favored than SAIL-PEG at all temperatures. Further, the effect of PVP on the antimicrobial activities of TPADS/TBADS has been tested by measuring zone of inhibition which accounts for higher effectiveness of PVP-SAILs system against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) as compared to gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Facile Synthesis of Cyclic Polyamidine with High Cationic Degree Using Environmentally Benign Approach

An environmentally benign approach was developed to fabricate cyclic polyamidine via polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) and subsequently amidinization in water. Synthetic parameters were evaluated using response surface methodology. In comparison with aqueous solution polymerization for the fabrication of PNVF-co-PAN, polymerization using SCCO2 is favorable to promote the yield and viscosity of PNVF-co-PAN and diminished reaction time on account of excellent solvation capacity and transport property of SCCO2. Replacing the traditional water solution with SCCO2 as a green solvent could heighten the purity of PNVF-co-PAN by virtue of the excellent extraction of SCCO2. The cationic degree (5.66 mmol/g) of polyamidine fabricated by environmentally benign approach was significantly higher than that in previous reported studies.

Energy saving technology of acrylamide polymerization in plate reactor based on phase change heat transfer

A new type of plate heat exchanger reactor was designed and studied to transfer the heat of acrylamide polymerization by using phase change heat transfer materials to improve the product performance and alleviate the phenomenon of polymer cross-linking and molecular weight reduction caused by high temperature of acrylamide polymerization. The results showed that the key factor limiting the heat transfer was the thickness of polyacrylamide colloid. Reducing the heat transfer distance could effectively accelerate the heat transfer of polyacrylamide colloid. The paraffin wax has good thermophysical properties and stability. It could maintain a constant temperature in the phase change process during the polymerization. Different monomer concentration acrylamide polymerization process found that the higher the monomer concentration, the better the heat transfer effect, the system temperature change range is reduced to achieve the polymerization process temperature control, reduce energy consumption, energy saving and environmental protection development. Compared with the traditional aqueous solution polymerization process without phase transition heat under the same conditions, the molecular weight of the polyacrylamide polymerization process based on phase transition heat increased by 38.5%. The main mode of heat transfer between the polyacrylamide colloid and the phase change material was determined by numerical calculations as heat conduction.

Coarse-Grained Force Field for Polyethylene Oxide and Polyethylene Glycol Aqueous Solutions Based on a Polarizable Water Model

A new, accurate and transferable coarse-grained (CG) force field (FF) for polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) aqueous solutions based on a polarizable CG water (PCGW) model is developed in this work. A PCGW bead, which represents four water molecules, is modeled as two charged dummy particles connected by two constrained bonds to a central neutral particle; a PEO or PEG oligomer is modeled as a chain with repeated middle beads (PEOM) representing diether groups and two terminal beads (PEOT or PEGT) of a different type compared to PEOM. To describe nonbonded van der Waals interactions, a piecewise Morse potential with four tunable parameters is used. The force parameters are automatically and rigorously optimized by a meta-multilinear interpolation parameterization (meta-MIP) algorithm to simultaneously match multiple thermodynamic properties, including the density, heat of vaporization, vapor-liquid interfacial tension, and solvation free energy of the pure PEO or PEG oligomer bulk system as well as the mixing density and hydration free energy of the oligomer/water binary mixture. Additional thermodynamic and structural properties for longer PEO and PEG polymer aqueous solutions, such as the self-diffusion coefficient, radius of gyration, and end-to-end distance, are predicted to test the accuracy and transferability of this new CG FF. Based on the PCGW model, the presented FF optimization algorithm and strategy can be extended to more complex polyelectrolytes and surfactants.

Preparation and properties of stover cellulose grafted poly (acrylic acid‐potassium humate) with water‐retention and slow‐release fertilizer

AbstractTo improve the utilization of stover and fertilizer and also save water resources, a degradable slow‐release fertilizer of corn stover cellulose graft poly (acrylic acid‐potassium humate) (CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA)) was prepared using corn stover cellulose (CSC), acrylic acid (AA) and potassium humate (KHA) by aqueous solution polymerization. Characterization of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques provided evidence for the successful preparation. The product prepared exhibited excellent water absorbency (792.89 g·g−1 and 72.69 g·g−1 in deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively) and enhanced soil's capacity of water holding and water retention. After 5 cycles, the water absorptivities of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) in deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were 51.71% and 49.97% of their initial water absorption, respectively. The degradation rate of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) was 32.02% after 50 days. Soil column leaching test and pot experiment demonstrated the slow‐release effect and plant growth promotion of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA). CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) showed desirable application potential in agriculture and is expected to become a functional fertilizer that integrates water absorbing, water‐holding and slow‐release properties.

Study of regularities of structural-phase transformations during thermocyclic treatment of tool steels

Movement of carbon atoms to dislocations reduces the specific volume of the martensite phase, which, in turn, affects the general level of volumetric changes that occur as a result of phase transformations during quenching. The measurements carried out on samples of steel ShX15 showed that the minimum increase in geometric dimensions is observed. Intermediate tempering and re-quenching do not change this pattern. At the same temperature, for this steel grade, the minimum degree of martensite tetragonality was recorded. This study has shown that to obtain a high level of final properties of tool steel, the most optimal is to obtain a substructure with a high level of defectiveness of the crystal structure of steel. It was found that the use of thermal cycling treatment contributes to an increase in the level of defectiveness of the crystal structure. It was also found that the use of aqueous solutions of polymers as a quenching medium makes it possible to obtain a cooling rate less than in oil quenching, which helps to reduce the level of quenching stresses.

Water-Soluble Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Detection

Facile detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at different concentration levels is important for applications such as assessing physiological status and monitoring bacterial and microbial contamination of food. A series of cationic conjugated polymers, PFPE-TEGx-NMe3+, with poly[fluorenyl-alt-p-phenyleneethynylene] (PFPE) as the backbone and different ratios of side chains consisting of a hexyl quaternary ammonium group and triethylene glycol, were synthesized for ATP sensing. Careful calculations based on the integrals of several specific proton peaks in the NMR spectra suggest that the ratios of different side chains of obtained polymers were consistent with the feeding ratios and the quaternization was close to 100%. Sensing application found that the fluorescence of polymers in aqueous solution was quenched upon adding ATP. The limit of detection (LOD) decreased with the increase in cation density on the polymer, which could be as low as 0.25 μM, and the higher the density of the quaternary ammonium group, the higher the sensitivity of polymer to ATP. The sensing system was selective to ATP over other possible interferents. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements show that ATP molecules were bound to polymer chains mainly through electrostatic interaction, while other interactions also existed, resulting in the formation of aggregates and the consequent fluorescence quenching. Relating the sensing performance to the chemical structures of analytes and fluorescent polymers revealed that the four negative charges combined with the organic part with a π-structure and some other interaction sites, which makes ATP unique compared with those possible interferents. At relatively low densities, the density of cationic groups had a significant effect on LOD and sensitivity, but at high densities, its effect became smaller; this observation is consistent with a sensing mechanism based on multiple interaction synergies dominated by electrostatic interactions. This study provides a general strategy for the design of sensing systems for biomolecules with relatively complex structures.