Bifunctional Aggregation‐Induced Emission Probes Based on Tetraphenylethylene for Detecting Pyrophosphoric Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate

The integration of different functions within a single fluorescent molecule provides a highly promising platform for expanding the application of fluorescent materials. Herein, two tetraphenylethylene-based fluorescence probes, denoted as TBn and T₂N, were synthesized to detect pyrophosphoric acid (PPi) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in solutions. The two probes both exhibit characteristic aggregation-induced emission properties and large Stokes shifts (about 200 nm) in solutions. Leveraging electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic bonds, T₂N demonstrates a remarkable response, with detection limits of 48 nM for PPi and 51 nM for PFOS. Notably, T₂N can effectively detect PPi and PFOS in the pH range of 3-13 and in tap water.