A novel polymeric hybrid sensory smart material for the prompt recognition of mercury ions in water

Abstract An acrylamide-xanthene hybrid polymeric probe was synthesized for the selective and sensitive detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) in 100% water. The non-polymeric form of probe displayed extraordinary selectivity above other additional metal cations via both a visual color change and fluorescence change with exceptional reversibility and responds rapidly to changes in the environment. The 1H NMR titration study revealed the binding of an Hg2+ ion on the imine hydrogen of the probe by the opening of the spiro-lactam ring, which instigates an instant color change. Reversible behavior of the polymeric probe using an aqueous solution of EDTA was confirmed by both absorption and fluorescence studies. The prepared polymeric probe detects Hg2+ in 100% water and is a promising material for the mercury recognition in real-time.