Fluorescent nanofiber film based on a simple organogelator for highly efficient detection of TFA vapour

Abstract

A new organogelator SYW without common auxiliary groups was synthesized and characterized, and its gelation properties were systematically studied. SYW preferably gelatinized from aromatic solvents, and in these cases formed stable organogels. The emission of light from SYW was very weak in solution but significantly stronger in the gel state, i.e., showing typical gelation-induced emission enhancement (GIEE). In particular, the xerogel film showed bright yellow emission and could be used for detecting trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) vapor. The fibrous film exhibited high sensitivity to this vapor, and the detection limit was estimated to be quite low, at 3.2 ppb. Reports of organogeltors lacking normal auxiliary groups yet still able to form gels and detect certain species have been rare, so the current work on SYW enriches the study of organogels.