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In situ visualization of polymer solution phase transition using photoresponsive tracers and Forster resonance energy transfer enabled by MXene quantum dots
Journal article   Peer reviewed

In situ visualization of polymer solution phase transition using photoresponsive tracers and Forster resonance energy transfer enabled by MXene quantum dots

Arman Motalebnejad-Mamaqani, Milad Babazadeh-Mamaqani, Hossein Roghani-Mamaqani, Hossein Riazi, Mir Karim Razavi Aghjeh and Mehdi Salami-Kalajahi
Materials today chemistry, v 45, 102670
01 Apr 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2025.102670

Abstract

Chemistry Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Science & Technology Materials Science Physical Sciences Technology
This study presents a novel method for investigating the phase transition behavior of thermoresponsive polymers using fluorescence spectroscopy combined with Fo<spacing diaeresis>rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between dual thermoand photo-responsive polymer and waterborne nitrogen-doped MXene quantum dots (N-MQDs). This technique offers a more sensitive and informative approach, providing detailed insights into temperature-induced changes in polymer solubility. Thermoresponsive polymers with built-in fluorescent tracers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, enabling precise control over the phase behavior properties. Analysis confirmed the nano-zero-dimensional (0D) of MXene with a size of 3.4 nm, exhibiting excellent excitability under UV-vis light with a corresponding direct band gap of 5.19 eV and a relative quantum yield (QY) of 13.9 % upon excitation at 360 nm. Furthermore, the combination of N-MQDs as the FRET donor exhibits near-white light emission and allows for the potential naked-eye observation at the molecular level and macroscopic visualization of the phase transitions due to the color-shifting properties of the system. As the system temperature increased from 25 to 35 degrees C, the emitted light transitioned from white to blue. This color change became particularly pronounced between 29 and 31 degrees C. This color change, along with a 20 % shift in RGB values and a 28 % decrease in spectral overlap, clearly indicated a phase transition within the system. The system emission affected by changes in pH, suggesting its potential for pH monitoring through fluorescence emission. The FRET-based approach offers several advantages, including real-time monitoring, high sensitivity, and potential applications in sensing, phase behavior investigations, and the design of advanced functional materials with tunable properties.

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