Effect of nanoclay laponite and pH on the energy transfer between fluorescent dyes

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two dyes acriflavine (Acf) and rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated in solution and layer-by-layer (LbL) self assembled films in presence and absence of clay mineral laponite. UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy studies suggest both the dyes present mainly as monomer in solution and films. Energy transfer occurred from Acf to RhB in solution and LbL films. The energy transfer efficiency increases in presence of clay laponite and the maximum efficiency were 92.50% and 55.71% in clay dispersion and in LbL films respectively. Presence of laponite particles onto LbL film was confirmed by atomic force microscopy investigations with a surface coverage of more than 75%. Energy transfer efficiency was pH sensitive and the energy transfer efficiency varies from 4.5% to 44.45% in mixed dye solution for a change in pH from 3.0 to 12.0. With proper calibration it is possible to use the present system under investigation to sense pH over a wide range of pH from 3.0 to 12.0.

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► Investigation of FRET between two dyes acriflavine and rhodamine B.
► Energy transfer occurred from Acf to RhB in solution and LbL films.
► Enhancement of energy transfer efficiency in presence of clay laponite.
► Energy transfer efficiency was pH sensitive.
► Demonstration of the system under investigation as pH sensor over a pH range from 3.0 to 12.0.