Heavy Atom Effect on Metallole Nanoaggregates and Their Explosive Sensing Applications.

Electronic and optical properties of metallole nanoaggregates (M = Ge and Sn) were investigated. Amplified photoluminescence (PL) properties, absolute quantum yields (QY), and critical aggregation concentrations for the metallole nanoaggregates were measured. The an aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) property decreases as the central atom becomes heavier in the metallole ring. Detection of TNT was achieved by the quenching PL of the metallole nanoaggregates. A linear Stern-Volmer relationship was observed for the detection of TNT.

1,3,5-Trinitrotoluene Sensor Based on Silole Nanoaggregates.

Bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole and bis(methyltetraphenyl)silole siloxane nanoaggregates for the detection of TNT were developed by using aggregation-induced emission property. Their absolute quantum yields and critical water concentration for onset of aggregation were measured. Average particle size for both nanoaggregates were measured and tuned by controlling the water fraction by volume. Absolute quantum yield of both nanoaggregates in 90% water volume fraction increased by more than 40 times. Detection of TNT was achieved from the quenching PL measurement of both nanoaggregates by adding the TNT. A linear Stern-Volmer relationship was observed for the detection of TNT.