Recyclability and selective fluorescence/colorimetric sensing properties of fluorescent porous materials synthesized by the copolymerization of 4-vinylpyridine zinc and divinylbenzene

One of the main drawbacks of porous coordination polymers is their low stability and nonrecyclability in acidic or alkaline environments. Herein, we proposed a “coordination-copolymerization” strategy and successfully introduced covalent crosslinked skeleton into a coordination skeleton via copolymerization of di(4-vinylpyridine) zinc chloride and divinylbenzene, thus producing a polymer having a hybridized skeleton (poly(ZnVP 2 -co-DVB)). This polymer exhibits a porous structure and fluorescence and colorimetric sensing abilities toward Cu 2+ ions. More importantly, poly(ZnVP 2 -co-DVB) exhibits high skeleton stability in acidic and alkaline environments. By reintroducing zinc ions, the chemical properties, porous structure, and the sensing ability are regenerated after being destroyed in an acidic or alkaline environment, thus demonstrating its recyclability.