| Abstract: | Polyfluorenes bearing imidazole and triphenylamine moieties in the main chain were synthesized. The imidazole/triphenylamine molar ratios in the polymer backbone were 100/0 (PFIM100), 50/50 (PFIM50) and 25/75 (PFIM25). Cyclic voltammetry revealed reversible oxidation only for polymers containing triphenylamine moieties (PFIM50 and PFIM25) and irreversible reduction for all polymers. Optical properties of the polymers were investigated using UV‐visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies in solution. The sensing properties of PFIM100 were investigated. The polymer showed recognition towards two analytes, Fe2+ and Hg2+. PFIM100 exhibited selective fluorescence ‘turn‐off’ response to Fe2+ cations. Interaction of PFIM100 with I? anions produced a non‐emissive complex. The PFIM100/I? complex exhibited excellent ‘turn‐on’ sensing properties for detection of Hg2+. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry |
