Modified cellulose paper with photoluminescent acrylic copolymer nanoparticles containing fluorescein as pH-sensitive indicator.

Herein, novel fluorescein mono-acrylate (Flu-Ac) was synthesized and copolymerized with methyl methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate to produce epoxy-functionalized latex nanoparticles. Fluorescent cellulose paper was then obtained by dip-coating and subsequent heat treatment. Synthesis of Flu-Ac, its incorporation efficiency into the epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles (almost 92 %), spherical morphology of the particles and their sizes (89-93 nm), and optical properties were studied comprehensively.