Detection of nitroaromatic compounds based on photoluminescent side-chain polymers

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and fluorescence quenching efficiency of a polymer (PSt-NI) and a low molecular weight molecule (NI) containing the 4-(N, N disubstituted)amino-N-2,5ditertiobutylphenyl-1,8-naphthalimide chromophore are reported. Similar spectroscopic properties of thin films and solutions are observed. This is consistent with the absence of interactions between polymer side chains. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of PSt-NI studied in various solvents of different polarity are compared to the corresponding spectra of NI. The longest wavelength absorption of PSt-NI and NI is characterized by a band with a maximum wavelength around 410 nm. The peak position is sensitive to the polarity of the solvent, which is in agreement with the charge transfer character of the transition. The fluorescence spectrum of PSt-NI shows a maximum emission in chloroform at 515 nm and is red shifted compared to those of NI. Fluorescence lifetimes of PSt-NI and NI are measured in presence and absence of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) and the results are interpreted via the Stern-Volmer analysis. In solution, the fluorescence quenching of NI is purely collisional, whereas both dynamic and static quenching are observed with PSt-NI Upon 1 minute exposure to DNT vapor, it was shown that a 5 nm thick film of PSt-NI exhibited a 45% drop in its fluorescence intensity, which makes this polymer very attractive for sensing applications.