Ratiometric fluorescence probe for fluoride ion detection based on di-catechol substituted naphthalene scaffold

A novel sensing platform is described that uses di-catechol functionalized luminogen cis-DiCat as scaffold coordinated with phenylboronic acid, which realizes the rapid and quantitative detection for fluoride ions with good sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Ratiometric fluorescence measurements show that the detection limit is as low as 0.044 mM, which has reached the standard value suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Detailed sensing mechanism is elucidated via both experimental and theoretical approaches.

Automated summary

A novel sensing platform is developed using di-catechol functionalized luminogen cis-DiCat and phenylboronic acid to detect fluoride ions rapidly and quantitatively, with good sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Ratiometric fluorescence measurements demonstrate a low detection limit of 0.044 mM, meeting the standard suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sensing mechanism is elucidated through both experimental and theoretical approaches.