Chemiluminescent flow-through sensor for 1,10-phenanthroline based on the combination of molecular imprinting and chemiluminescence

A functional polymer for the catalysis of the chemiluminescent reaction and molecular recognition ability of 1,10-phenanthroline was prepared based on the molecular imprinting method. The structural and catalytic roles of transition metal ion interactions were applied in the material design. A ternary complex, 4-vinylpyridine-Cu(ii)-1,10-phenanthroline (2:1:1), was synthesized and used as a functional monomer. The ligand 1,10-phenanthroline in the ternary complex was the template used to form the molecularly imprinted polymer. Another monomer, styrene, and the cross-linking reagent divinylbenzene were copolymerized with the ternary complex. The polymer containing the ternary complex is an efficient catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. During the hydrogen peroxide decomposition, superoxide radical ion is formed, which reacts with 1,10-phenanthroline and gives a chemiluminescent emission. The 1,10-phenanthroline was destroyed during the chemiluminescent reaction, leaving a cavity and copper binding sites for another 1,10-phenanthroline molecule. The prepared polymer particles were packed into a glass tube and developed as a molecular recognition chemiluminescent flow-through sensor for 1,10-phenanthroline. The sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor were tested.