TPE-containing amphiphilic block copolymers: synthesis and application in the detection of nitroaromatic pollutants

Abstract

Two AIE-active block copolymers termed P1 and P2 bearing tetraphenylethene (TPE) and PEG-based chains, respectively, were successfully synthesized with moderate molecular weights and narrow PDIs via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Both P1 and P2 possess typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics emitting green light in mixed THF/water and DMSO/water solutions. Stable polymeric nanoparticles could be formed in a THF/water mixture with high quantum yields. The fluorescence of the nanoparticles in THF/water mixtures can be dramatically quenched by the addition of several nitroaromatic pollutants, including 1,3-dinitrobenzene, p-nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, p-fluoronitrobenzene and p-nitrophenol with low detection limits. Moreover, the polymeric nanoparticles show excellent cell imaging properties and the potential for use in the intracellular detection of nitroaromatic pollutants.