Helical mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid silica nanofibers prepared using a TPE-based silane for explosive detection

Helical mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid silica nanofibers with blue fluorescence were synthesized by co condensation of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane and tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-containing triethoxysilane with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property. The pore channels of the hybrid silicas were arranged in a hexagonal structure. Lamellar mesopores were identified on the surfaces of the nanofibers. The fluorescence quantum yields increased with increasing the TPE weight ratio. These hybrid silicas exhibit sensitive fluorescence quenching responses towards the nitroaromatic explosive picric acid. This is ascribed to the ordered mesoporous structure which helps guest molecules to enter the pores quickly and interact with TPE chromophore.

Automated summary

Helical mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid silica nanofibers with blue fluorescence were synthesized, with hexagonally arranged pore channels and lamellar mesopores on the surfaces. The fluorescence quantum yields increased with increasing the TPE weight ratio, exhibiting sensitive fluorescence quenching responses towards nitroaromatic explosives.