An aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe, possessing a quaternary tetraphenylethene (TPEN) cation, was successfully intercalated into layered α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) nanosheets by ion-exchange. The hybrid materials emit strong blue emissions in aqueous solution which can be used as an effective fluorescence label for HeLa cells.

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a b s t r a c tThe aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared via post-grafting 1,2-bis[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-1,2-diphenylethene (TPE-MB) on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified MSNs. The obtained materials combine the unique properties of the AIE luminogen and porous materials, and their emission wavelength can be changed from 467 to 527 nm by loading different amount of AIE molecules, showing an obvious red shift from blue light to yellow light. Such materials with well dispersibility in water are used as an efficient fluorescent sensor for the detection of explosives, including picric acid (PA), 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT), nitrobenzene (NB) in water. The obtained materials can be recycled by simply washing with proper solvents. The high sensitivity, increased chemical stability and recyclability of the AIE luminogen functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles promise that they can be used as an excellent fluorescence probe for future practical applications in explosives detection.