Smart fluorescent AIEE active supramolecular polymeric assemblies for selective and quantitative detection of fluoride ions in aqueous media

A fibrous network of AIEE active polyamine derivative 2 has been developed which exhibits living self-assembly in mixed aqueous media accompanied by solvent dependent morphology transformation. Further, the supramolecular assemblies of polyamine derivative 2 in presence of fluoride ions undergo rigidification to generate highly fluorescent supramolecular polyamine ensemble 2:F⁻. The mechanism of self-aggregation and fluoride induced aggregation is theoretically and experimentally proved. Additionally, electron rich supramolecular polyamine ensemble 2:F⁻ was utilized for the detection of picric acid with detection limit of 15 ppb