CO2-triggered fluorescence “turn-on” response of perylene diimide-containing poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)

Abstract

A fluorophore–polymer conjugate, PBI–PDMAEMA, consisting of two arms of CO₂-responsive N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate polymer (PDMAEMA) and a center perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) fluorophore, has been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate from the N,N′-bis{2-[2-[(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyl)oxy]ethoxy]ethyl}perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide initiators. This fluorophore–polymer conjugate exhibits a colorimetric change and a fluorescent “turn-on” response to the presence of CO₂ in aqueous solutions. Upon removal of adsorbed CO₂ by N₂ degassing, this CO₂ chemosensor is completely recoverable. The application of this fluorophore–polymer conjugate in determining the concentration of CO₂ in carbonated beverages was demonstrated.