Synthesis of new mono/di-substituted tetraphenyletylene derivatives and investigation of photophysical properties

This study introduces a series of novel mono/di-substituted tetraphenylethene (TPE)-based fluorescent probes designed to exploit the AIE phenomenon. These TPE probes exhibit notable photophysical properties, making them suitable for ion sensing and potential applications in optoelectronic devices. Specifically, the probes act as "turn-off" sensors for Cu2+, Hg2+, and Ag+ ions, demonstrating a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity upon exposure. Additionally, they function as "turn-on" sensors for glutathione (GSH) in the presence of copper or mercury ions. The LODs values of mono/di-substituted TPEs for Cu2+ (from 299 nM to 747 nM), Hg2+ (522 nM), Ag+ (1.58 mM), and GSH (from 457 nM to 544 nM) were determined, highlighting the sensitivity of these probes. To further explore their practical applications, the TPE probes were employed for visual detection in filter paper and real water samples. Furthermore, the integration of TPEs into organic/inorganic heterojunction devices was investigated, revealing promising electrical properties for potential use in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices. Overall, this research expands the repertoire of AIE-active probes, providing valuable insights into their sensing capabilities and potential for real-world applications.