A novel optical fiber sensor based on AIEgens for highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe 3+

A novel optical fiber sensor for the detection of Fe3+ based on AIEgens was reported for the first time. A new antiB18H22 derivative ((5-NH2C9H6N)2B18H20, Referred as to S1) bearing 5-aminoisoquinoline was synthesized via a one-pot and its structure was verified by 1H NMR and HRMS, photophysical properties were characterized by UV-Vis, fluorescence spectrum and theoretical calculation. The fluorophore exhibits obvious aggregationinduced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics in THF/H2O solution by increasing the aqueous concentration from 70% to 90%. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule in THF/H2O (integral w = 90%) solution shows high selectivity for detecting Fe3+ over other metal ions by forming a 1:1 metal-to-ligand complex, and the detection limit is 5.25 x 10-5 M. The optical fiber sensor based on S1 for the detection of Fe3+ was fabricated, and the detection limit of Fe3+ can reach to be 0.137 nM. The sensor can be used to detect Fe3+ in chemical, environmental and biological fields.

Automated summary

A novel optical fiber sensor based on AIEgens was developed for the detection of Fe3+. The sensor exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics in THF/H2O solution. It showed high selectivity and a low detection limit, making it suitable for the detection of Fe3+ in various fields including chemistry, environment, and biology.