In Situ Generation of AgI Quantum Dots by the Confinement of A Supramolecular Polymer Network: A Novel Approach for Ultrasensitive Response

Abstract

A novel approach for in situ generation of AgI quantum dots by the confinement of a pillar[5]arene‐based supramolecular polymer network has been successfully developed. The supramolecular polymer network (SPN‐QP) was constructed by using a bis‐8‐hydroxyquinoline‐modified pillar[5]arene derivative as a host (H‐QP) and a bis‐pyridinium‐modified decane as guest (G‐PD). The SPN‐QP shows ultrasensitive response for Ag+. The limit of detection is about 7.44×10−9 M..Interestingly, when I− was added to the SPN‐QP+Ag+ system, an unexpected strong warm‐white fluorescence emission was observed. After carefu investigation, we found that the strong warm‐white fluorescence emission could be attributed to the in situ formation of AgI quantum dots under the confinement of the supramolecular polymer network (SPN‐QP). Based on this approach, ultrasensitive detection of I− was realized. The limit of detection for I− is 4.40×10−9 M. This study provides a new way for the preparation of quantum dots under the confinement of supramolecular polymer network as well as ultrasensitive detection of ions by in situ formation of quantum dots.

Detection of Lead(II) in Living Cells by Inducing the Transformation of a Supramolecular System into Quantum Dots

“…Interestingly, in the past decades, fluorescent nanomaterials including luminescent nanoparticles (NPs), nanorods, quantum dots (QDs), polymer dots (PDs), and so on − have attracted increasingly more attention due to their special properties. Compared with traditional fluorescent materials, their special size-dependent feature renders these materials suitable for various applications, such as in environmental sensors, − fluorescent probes, , bioimaging agents, − and light-emitting diodes. − Therefore, fluorescent nanomaterials provide a novel and broad platform for the design of chemosensors for the efficient detection of toxic ions.…”