High porosity fluorescent aerogel with new molecular probes for formaldehyde gas sensors

Solid-state fluorescence sensing detection method of porous materials loaded with fluorescent substances has become the research focus of researchers due to its sensitivity and efficiency. In this study, we presented a novel fluorescent aerogel for selective detection of formaldehyde gas by combining high porosity of aerogel for gas absorbance and high sensitivity of molecular fluorescent probes. The detection of formaldehyde gas was based on the aza-Cope reaction. To enhance the stability of fluorescent aerogel, the fluorescent molecule was chemically bonded with into the networks, during the sol-gel process for polycondensation. According to UV absorption spectra test, the grafting ratio is around 122 mg cm-3. The prepared fluorescent aerogel sensor shows a high specific surface area of 779 m2 g-1 and the porosity of the prepared aerogel is >95.6%, illustrating a good gas absorbance properties. Furthermore, the fluorescent aerogel sensor could selectively and sensitively detect FA gas and the limited of detection is 110 ppm. The composite fluorescent aerogel is expected to be used in the actual operation of formaldehyde detection.

Automated summary

The study introduced a novel fluorescent aerogel for selective detection of formaldehyde gas, utilizing the high porosity of aerogel for gas absorbance and the high sensitivity of molecular fluorescent probes. The fluorescent aerogel sensor exhibited a high specific surface area and good gas absorbance properties, and could selectively and sensitively detect FA gas.