Synthesis of novel fluorene-functionalised nanoporous silica and its luminescence behaviour in acidic media

Fluorene-functionalised nanoporous silica (FL-NH₂-SBA-15) was prepared using the post-synthesis grafting method of SBA-15. The material thus obtained was characterised by means of small- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. The results showed that the organised structure is preserved after the post-grafting procedure. Surface area and pore-size decreased by attaching functional groups to the pore surface. In addition, the pore volume was reduced with functionalisation. The amount of fluorene grafted onto the surface of SBA-15 was 0.55 mmol with a yield of approximately 46 %. The emission spectra of FL-NH₂-SBA-15 in acidic media were studied and are discussed in detail. The structural change between FL-NH₂-SBA-15 and the protonated form might be an effective candidate for acid-dependent molecular-sensor models for advanced application in molecular sensors in the future.