Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, have created a family of molecules that bind to metal ions providing an easily detectable light signal during binding. The molecules are composed of a ring and two luminescent arms that emit a type of light in a process known as Circular Polarized Luminescence (CPL), and selectively detect ions. This research was published in Chemical Science.
“The luminescent arms of our molecules function like light bulbs that light up or turn off depending on the presence of a positively charged ion, a metal cation”, explains Jérôme Lacour, Dean of the Faculty of Science at UNIGE and Ordinary Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry.
The mechanism works like a lock and key, where the lock consists of a ring that encircles a metal ion and two arms that act like light bulbs. Once a metal ion is engaged, the molecule alters it geometry, moving the arms apart and stops producing light. The molecule behaves like a switch, this technology has a variety of significant applications including the detection of metals in a large range of environments.
Image Credit: UNIGE