Exploring Coumarin-Based Boron Emissive Complexes as Temperature Thermometers in Polymer-Supported Materials

Three coumarin-based boron complexes (L1, L2 and L3) were designed and successfully incorporated into polymeric matrixes for evaluation as temperature probes. The photophysical properties of the complexes were carried out in different solvents and in the solid state. In solution, compound L1 exhibited the highest fluorescence quantum yield, 33%, with a positive solvatochromism also being observed on the absorption and emission when the polarity of the solvent increased. Additionally in the presence of anions, L1 showed a colour change from yellow to pink, followed by a quenching in the emission intensity, which is due to deprotonation with the formation of a quinone base. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of L1 were calculated at different temperatures by the DFT/B3LYP method. The decrease in fluorescence of compound L1 with an increase in temperature seems to be due to the presence of pronounced torsional vibrations of the donor and acceptor fragments relative to the single bond with C(carbonyl)-C (styrene fragment). L1, L2 and L3, through their incorporation into the polymeric matrixes, became highly emissive by aggregation. These dye@doped polymers were evaluated as temperature sensors, showing an excellent fluorescent response and reversibility after 15 cycles of heating and cooling.

Automated summary

Three coumarin-based boron complexes (L1, L2 and L3) were successfully incorporated into polymeric matrixes for temperature probes, showing high fluorescence quantum yield in solution and positive solvatochromism. L1 exhibited a colour change and quenching in emission intensity in the presence of anions due to deprotonation. The dye@doped polymers of L1, L2 and L3 showed excellent fluorescent response and reversibility as temperature sensors.