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Rational Design of a Nile Red/Polymer Composite Film for Fluorescence Sensing of Organophosphonate Vapors using Hydrogen Bond Acidic Polymers

Journal Article · · Analytical Chemistry
OSTI ID:15001269
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Altair Center
  2. ALTAIR Center, LLC
  3. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
The solvatochromic dye Nile Red dispersed in selected hydrogen-bond acidic polymer matrices demonstrated strong fluorescence enhancement at the presence of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) vapors. Two hydrogen bond acidic polymers were examined as dye matrices, one with fluorinated alcohol groups on a polystyrene backbone (PSFA), and the other with fluorinated bisphenol groups alternating with oligodimethylsiloxane segments (BSP3). The combination of hydrogen-bond acidic polymer (a strong sorbent for DMMP) with the solvatochromic dye led to initial depression of the dye fluorescence and a significant red shift in the absorbance and fluorescence spectra. DMMP sorption changed the dye environment and dramatically altered the fluorescence spectrum and intensity, resulting in a strong fluorescence enhancement. It is proposed that this fluorescence enhancement is due to the competition set up between the dye and the sorbed vapor for polymeric hydrogen bonding sites. The highest responses were obtained with BSP3. DMMP detection has been demonstrated at sub-ppm DMMP concentrations, indicating very low detection limits compared to previous Nile Red/polymer matrix fluorescence vapor sensors. Nile Red/poly(methyl methacrylate) films prepared for comparisons exhibited substantially lower response to DMMP. Rational selection of polymers providing high sorption for DMMP and competition for hydrogen-bonding interactions with Nile Red yielded fluorescent films with high sensitivity.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
15001269
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-33608; NN2001000
Journal Information:
Analytical Chemistry, Journal Name: Analytical Chemistry Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 73
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English