Synthesis, photoelectric properties and application of a polymer fluorescent probe with quinoline and benzene groups

A novel π-conjugated polymer comprised of 8-methoxyquinoline and benzene groups has been successfully synthesized and characterized. The polymer exhibits good photo and thermal stabilities with decomposition temperature (Td) of 240 °C and glass transition temperature (Tg) of 325 °C. The maximum absorption and emission wavelengths of the polymer are 325 nm and 430 nm with a high fluorescence quantum yield (0.74) in chloroform, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the polymer were investigated with the cyclic voltammetry method, and the results agreed with the data of theoretical calculation by the Gaussian 09 software. Based on the excellent photoelectric properties, the polymer as a fluorescent probe was used to detect metal ions in solution and biological cells. Experimental results indicate that the polymer has a high selectivity and sensitivity for Fe3+ with the fluorescence quenched processes. Noticeably, the detection of the polymer for Fe3+ can be processed in biological system.