Fluorescent imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid)s for Fe3+ detection in aqueous medium

Novel fluorescent solid sensors for Fe3+ detection in aqueous medium have been developed by photopolymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP), butyl acrylate (BA) and imidazolium-based ionic liquids obtained by anion change (Br−, BF4−, TFSI− and PF6−). The correlation between the hydrophilicity and the stability of the membranes was established, as well as the influence of the anion in their behavior. The resulting fluorescent sensors undergo fluorescence quenching upon binding iron ions. This study provides a convenient method to obtain PILs sensors easy to use and reusable, with high selectivity and sensitivity.