Multifunctional metallo-supramolecular interlocked hexagonal microstructures for the detection of lead and thiols in water

We report Pb2+-mediated interlocked hexagonal self-assembly associated with the near-IR (660 nm) turn-on' detection of Pb2+ ions (LOD = 25 nM) in water using a perylene diimide derivative (PDI-HQ). The PDI-HQ-Pb2+ complex was further used to develop a fluorescent NIR ensemble for the detection of thiols.