“Turn-on” fluorescent polymeric microparticle sensors for the determination of ammonia and amines in the vapor state

Abstract

Cross-linked acrylic ester microparticles (EG50OH) with absorbed fluorescent probe molecules, such as fluorescein and acridine orange were successfully fabricated and employed as “turn-on” fluorescent sensors for the detection and determination of ammonia and organic amine vapor concentrations. Using EG50OH microparticles that had fluorescein (fluorescein fluorescent microparticle, FL–FMP sensor) incorporated as the fluorescent probe molecule (with λ_ex = 450 nm; λ_em = 528 nm), the detection limit achieved for ammonia vapor was 0.73 ppm, the response being linearly dependent on concentration over the range of 1.0–250 ppm gaseous ammonia. The FL–FMP responded to organic amines with the relative signal response following the order: triethylamine > tert-butylamine > diethylamine > n-propylamine > ammonia. A limit of detection of 0.048 ppm triethylamine vapor was achieved using this FL–FMP sensor. The sensor response is based on the acid–base properties of the fluorescent probe molecules. The fluorescent probes immobilized in/on the EG50OH are in a microenvironment such that they are in their neutral or protonated states and only exhibit weak fluorescence. Upon exposure to ammonia or amine vapor, the fluorescent species are deprotonated and exhibit much greater fluorescence emission (“turned-on” due to exposure to these basic analytes). The ease of fabrication and aforementioned properties of these fluorescent microparticle sensors are such that they should be amenable for use in a variety of situations requiring the detection or monitoring of ammonia and amines in the vapor state.