A novel bis-component AIE smart gel with high selectivity and sensitivity to detect CN−, Fe3+ and H2PO4−

Abstract

A novel bis-component AIE-gel TG was facilely constructed from two “easy-to-synthesize” tripodal gelators by a simple host–guest self-assembly process. Interestingly, the TG shows strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and could be used for highly efficient and sensitive detection and separation of ions (CN⁻, Fe³⁺ and H₂PO₄⁻). The LODs (limits of lowest detection) of TG for CN⁻, Fe³⁺ and H₂PO₄⁻ are in the range of 4.93 × 10⁻⁹–7.80 × 10⁻⁸ M. Meanwhile, the xerogel of TG could adsorb and separate Fe³⁺ from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption rate is 96%. In addition, a thin film based on the TG could act as a convenient test kit for the detection of CN⁻ and Fe³⁺. What is more, the TG-Fe film could not only be used as an erasable secure fluorescent display material, but also as a convenient reversible H₂PO₄⁻ test kit.