CO2-triggered fluorescence “turn-on” response of perylene diimide-containing poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)

A fluorophore–polymer conjugate, PBI–PDMAEMA, consisting of two arms of CO2-responsive N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate polymer (PDMAEMA) and a center perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) fluorophore, has been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate from the N,N′-bis{2-[2-[(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyl)oxy]ethoxy]ethyl}perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide initiators. This fluorophore–polymer conjugate exhibits a colorimetric change and a fluorescent "turn-on" response to the presence of CO2 in aqueous solutions. Upon removal of adsorbed CO2 by N2 degassing, this CO2 chemosensor is completely recoverable. The application of this fluorophore–polymer conjugate in determining the concentration of CO2 in carbonated beverages was demonstrated.