A novel supramolecular AIE π-gel for fluorescence detection and separation of metal ions from aqueous solution.

A novel supramolecular aggregation induced emission (AIE) π-gel (ONT) was constructed by using a functionalized trimesic amide (TCP) molecule assembled with a bis-pyridine functionalized naphthalene diimide (ND) molecule using a non-covalent interaction. The ONT showed strong AIE at 468 nm. Furthermore, the ONT could detect and adsorb ferric (Fe) or cupric (Cu) ions from water. Meanwhile, a thin film based on supramolecular AIE π-gel ONT was prepared, which could be used as a fluorescent security display material for detecting Fe or Cu. Thus, the AIE π-gel ONT shows potential for practical applications in efficient multi-analyte detection and separation and as a fluorescent display material.