A novel triple-mode fluorescent pH probe from monomer emission to aggregation-induced emission†
Abstract
A tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based pH fluorescent probe was synthesised, which could selectively monitor pH variation in THF–H2O (2 : 8, v/v) solution in wide-range pH (1.99–11.64) values. It displayed a monomer emission under acidic condition, but exhibited ratiometric fluorescence under neutral condition and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) under basic condition subsequently.