Londoño de la Cruz, David A. 
ORCID: 0009-0007-7907-2574
(2025).
Development of fluorescent pH-responsive polymeric systems as potential method for CO2 sensing.
University of Birmingham.
Ph.D.
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LondoñodelaCruz2025PhD.pdf
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Abstract
Stimuli-responsive polymers that change their fluorescence in response to pH variations have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in sensors, bioimaging, and drug delivery. In particular, for CO\(_2\) sensing, fluorescence-based detection in aqueous environments—triggered by pH changes—offers a promising method for real-time monitoring. This thesis aimed to develop an effective and robust CO\(_2\) sensing system using fluorescent pH-responsive nanoparticles, enhancing the ability to detect carbon dioxide efficiently. The research first focused on the synthesis and characterization of CO\(_2\)-responsive polymeric nanoparticles, produced through RAFT emulsion polymerization. These nanoparticles were designed with various fluorescent dyes, enabling them to rapidly "switch on" fluorescence in response to CO\(_2\) exposure. Additionally, a water-soluble polymer functionalized with a pH-sensitive pyrene dye was developed. This system demonstrated a rapid and reversible "off" fluorescence response, and a low detection limit. To further enhance the stability and potential applications of these CO\(_2\)-responsive systems, the study explored incorporating the pyrene-based dye (DEAPyMA) into two distinct polymer structures: a cross-linked hydrogel and spherical micelles synthesized via RAFT-PISA polymerization. The development of nanoparticles, water-soluble polymers, and hydrogel/micelle structures has led to significant advancements in environmental monitoring, offering fast, reversible, and reliable mechanisms for real-time CO\(_2\) detection.
| Type of Work: | Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award Type: | Doctorates > Ph.D. | |||||||||
| Supervisor(s): |
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| Licence: | All rights reserved | |||||||||
| College/Faculty: | Colleges > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences | |||||||||
| School or Department: | School of Chemistry | |||||||||
| Funders: | Other | |||||||||
| Other Funders: | BP CO2 exploring team | |||||||||
| Subjects: | Q Science > QD Chemistry | |||||||||
| URI: | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/16215 |
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