A 1,8-naphthalimide group modified magnetic silica nanoparticles INHIBIT logic gate with H+ and F− as inputs

In this work, molecular logic element modified multifunctional silica nanoparticles having high magnetization have been successfully prepared. These multifunctional nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Elementary analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The characterization datum indicated that the organic ligand was successfully grafted on the surface of the magnetic silica nanoparticles. The fluorescent changes of the hybrid material upon the addition of cations (H+, F− and their mixture) is utilized as an INHIBIT logic gate at the molecular level, using the fluorescence intensity signal as output.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Molecular logic element modified multifunctional silica nanoparticles have been prepared. ► The characterization datum indicated that the organic ligand was successfully grafted on the surface of the magnetic silica nanoparticles. ► This simple organic–inorganic hybrid material can selectively bind protons and anions. ► A two-input INH logic gate was presented on the basis of this single molecule.