In Situ Generation of AgI Quantum Dots by the Confinement of A Supramolecular Polymer Network: A Novel Approach for Ultrasensitive Response.

A novel approach for in situ generation of AgI quantum dots by the confinement of a pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular polymer network has been successfully developed. The supramolecular polymer network (SPN-QP) was constructed by using a bis-8-hydroxyquinoline-modified pillar[5]arene derivative as a host (H-QP) and a bis-pyridinium-modified decane as guest (G-PD). The SPN-QP shows ultrasensitive response for Ag+ . The limit of detection is about 7.44×10-9  M.. Interestingly, when I- was added to the SPN-QP+Ag+ system, an unexpected strong warm-white fluorescence emission was observed. After carefu investigation, we found that the strong warm-white fluorescence emission could be attributed to the in situ formation of AgI quantum dots under the confinement of the supramolecular polymer network (SPN-QP). Based on this approach, ultrasensitive detection of I- was realized. The limit of detection for I- is 4.40×10-9  M. This study provides a new way for the preparation of quantum dots under the confinement of supramolecular polymer network as well as ultrasensitive detection of ions by in situ formation of quantum dots.