Acridine Fluorescence Behaviors in Different Polymeric Microenvironments Directed by C2-Proton-Acidity of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

Acridine Fluorescence Behaviors in Different Polymeric Microenvironments Directed by C2-Proton-Acidity of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

A new fluorescent system (acridine/RTIL hybrid gel) confined in the 3D micro-structure of a poly(lactic acid) membrane were prepared from 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids ([bmim]X (X = $SbF_6$, $NTf_2$, Cl); RTILs), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and acridine via the sol-gel route. SEM images showed that, in the presence of [bmim]$SbF_6$ and [bmim]$NTf_2$, 3D-ly paticulated structures were created inside the PLA membranes and acridine/RTIL hybrid gels were confined in gabs of particulates. However, the use of [bmim]Cl induced the formation of a 3D-ly porous structure containing the hybrid gel of acridine/[bmimCl in the micropores. The three fluorescent systems exhibited different fluorescence behaviors (fluorescence maximum and intensity) depending on the C2-H acidity scale of the RTILs (or their anion type). Acridine gels hybridized with [bmim]$SbF_6$ and [bmim]$NTf_2$ showed blue fluorescence with relative high intensity, whereas the hybrid gel with [bmim]Cl exhibited almost no fluorescence under dry conditions. However, the acridine/[bmim]Cl hybrid system in the micro-porous PLA membrane started to emit fluorescent light under humid conditions and showed a possible response, indicating that it could be applied as a humidity sensor.