Up to now, the research team has focused on changing fluorescent macromolecules made of conjugated polymers to non-conjugated block copolymers because it is difficult to synthesize and dissolve conjugated polymers. PSS is a non-conjugated block copolymer, which can solve these problems, since it cannot perform self-quenching behavior when it is formed into thin films or solid. This achievement is the first example of a non-conjugated block copolymer showing fluorescence presented to the academic world.
Furthermore, the research team revealed that when PSS is integrated into a nano-sized molecule, PSS loses its light once it reacts with Cu2+ ion. PSS responds to ppb levels within a minute, which is ten times more sensitive than the existing Cu2+ ions sensors.
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