Competition of Exo-wall π–π and Lone Pair−π Interactions: A Viable Approach to Achieve Ultrasensitive Detection and Effective Removal of AsO<sub>2</sub><sup>–</sup> in Water
Guanfei Gong, Yanyan Chen, You‐Ming Zhang, Yanqing Fan, Qi Zhao, Jun-Nian An, Hong Yao, Tai‐Bao Wei, Qi Lin
Abstract
Arsenite (AsO2–) is a toxic pollutant for the environment and very harmful to human health. Hence, highly selective and ultrasensitive detection of AsO2– is a very significant issue for a scientific researcher. Herein, an efficient approach for ultrasensitive detection of AsO2– (the lowest detection limit is 1.7 nM) was successfully developed by employing competition among lone pair−π and exo-wall π–π interactions in a bicomponent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) π–gel (ST-G) system. In addition, the xerogel powder of ST-G also could efficiently remove AsO2– from water. This work provides an ultrasensitive method for detection and removal of AsO2– in water.