AIE-activated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes materials for dual applications heavy metal ions detection and CO2 capture

A novel porous fluorescent material based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized with imidazole-selenone has been synthesized using a one-pot Povarov reaction. Comprehensive characterization reveals that the product of Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-Se1-triphenylamine which denoted as POSS-Se1-TPA exhibited exceptional thermal stability, fluorescence properties, and thermal stability, making it highly suitable for detection of heavy metal ions and CO 2 adsorption. The incorporation of imidazole selenone, quinoline structures, and triphenylamine groups has enabled POSS-Se1-TPA with multi-site binding, facilitating high sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe 3+ and Cu 2+ ions. Furthermore, CO 2 adsorption studies have revealed its capacity of 28 mmol/g at 700 mmHg, attributed to microporous structures and active functional groups that promote physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms. POSS-Se1-TPA, as a dual-function material has provided an innovative platform for environmental monitoring, including efficient metal ion detection and gas adsorption, and served as a model for designing advanced functional materials with versatile applications in sensing, bioimaging, and environmental remediation.