Enhancing photostability of the fluorescent probe using polysiloxane-based imidazolium ionic liquid prepared via poly-radziszewski reaction for the detection of SCN-

Enhancing of the photostability of the fluorescent probes is a crucial task for promoting the performances. A unique polysiloxane-based imidazolium ionic liquid ( PSI ) was found to improve the photostability of the fluorescent probe. In this study, we reported the rational design and synthesis of a novel kind of polysiloxane-based imidazolium derivative ( PSI ) prepared from 1,3-bis(3-aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane and aldehyde through the poly-radziszewski reaction for the first time. PSI was then functionalized by thionaphthalic anhydride ( NA ) to fabricate ionic liquid based fluorescent probe PSI-NA for the detection of SCN − . This work represented the first report for the construction of poly-ionic based fluorescent probes. Compared with small molecule probe, PSI-NA exhibited high stability and further applied in bioimaging and paper-based sensor fields. This work presented a valid approach for enhancing the photostability of fluorescent probes.