Fluorescent imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid)s for Fe3+ detection in aqueous medium

Novel fluorescent solid sensors based on imidazolium type poly(ionic liquid)s have been developed for Fe3+ detection in aqueous medium. [Display omitted] •Solid fluorescence sensors based on imidazolium type poly(ionic liquid)s were synthetized•The new sensors form a complex with Fe3+ ions that quench fluorescence emission.•The functionalized membrane was selective and sensitive for Fe3+ detection in water.•The membrane is a fully reversible sensor and useful for real environmental samples. Novel fluorescent solid sensors for Fe3+ detection in aqueous medium have been developed by photopolymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP), butyl acrylate (BA) and imidazolium-based ionic liquids obtained by anion change (Br−, BF4−, TFSI− and PF6−). The correlation between the hydrophilicity and the stability of the membranes was established, as well as the influence of the anion in their behavior. The resulting fluorescent sensors undergo fluorescence quenching upon binding iron ions. This study provides a convenient method to obtain PILs sensors easy to use and reusable, with high selectivity and sensitivity.