Research Projects

The development of fluorescent chemosensors that can selectively sense metal ions is gaining attention among scientists. This proposal focuses on the creation of fluorescent probes with receptor sites capable of coordinating metal ions or recognition through hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions. The probes will be synthesized using simple methodologies, with quaternization of the imidazole ring to increase water solubility. The probes will be characterized using various analytic techniques, including IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The probes will show luminescent properties due to their intrinsic fluorescent properties. Photophysical studies will be performed using UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and time-resolved fluorescence spectrometry. The luminescent properties will be perturbed by different ions to explore chemical sensing possibilities. The lifetime measurements and quantum yields will be measured to show enhancement/quenching in fluorescence intensity. Interference studies will be performed to monitor selectivity and suitability of the probes in the presence of different ions. The binding properties of the probe with analytes will be determined using 1H NMR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopic titrations. The effect of pH will be measured to check the suitability of the chemosensor for applications at physiological conditions. Optical properties and recognition mechanisms will be further studied through DFT/TDDFT calculations. The probes will be adsorbed on TLC plates or filter paper strips for visual detection under UV light, and real sample analysis will be performed by spiking with appropriate analytes.