A simple fluorescent film probe for the detection of fluoride anion in organic solution

The detection of fluoride anion (F-) in an organic solution using a fluorescent film sensor has always been a challenge. In this investigation, a small fluorescent molecule, DPP-DWCZ, which is consisting of dilcetopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), fluorene backbone and the impendent carbazole side chains was designed and synthesized. Given the high electro-activity of carbazole, electropolymerization (EP) was used to prepare the cross-linking DPP-DWCZ films. The DPP-DWCZ EP films were further used as a fluorescence-quenching type sensor for the detection of F- in organic solution with the limit of detection to 4.1 x 10(-8) M. The deprotonation of amide moiety caused by F- is responsible for the fluorescence quenching. This study provides a feasible way to the detection of F- in an organic solution with high sensitivity, remarkably higher anti-interference and prominent reusability.