Heterogeneous sensors for ammonia, amines and metal ions based on a dendrimer modified fluorescent viscose fabric

The synthesis and characterisation of a new fluorescent poly(propylene amine) dendrimer (BD) from a second generation modified with eight benzanthrone chromophore units have been reported. The photophysical characteristics of the dendrimer have been investigated in organic solvents of different polarity. The fluorescent dendrimer has been immobilized onto viscose fabric in order to obtain a heterogeneous sensor capable of detecting aliphatic amines, ammonia and metal ions in aqueous solutions. In the presence of those analytes the fluorescent textile material quenches its fluorescence. The results reveal its capacity to acts as a sensitive sensor of aliphatic amines and ammonia.