Traditionally, techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy or gas chromatography have been used for cation detection. However, these methods need long analysis times and sophisticated instrumentation. Simpler and faster methods have been developed these days, such us optical methods (colorimetric and/or fluorescent), which can entail easy visualization, high sensitivity and cheaper instrumentation. Among these, ratiometric (bicolour) fluorescent sensors stand out due to the lower limit of detection. In this area, both organic molecules and metal complexes are being developed as luminescent probes. Indeed, some iridium complexes demonstrated to be selective luminescent sensors for different cations. Different strategies are used to trap or interact with the cation, which permits a rational tuning of the iridium’s emission. In our group, we have been working with iridium complexes for a variety of objectives. In this contribution, an iridium-based sensor for cations will be described including its response to cations in solution and on solid supports.

Financial support from the Basque Government (PRE_2020_2_0230, IT-1346-19 and IT-1180-19), the Spanish MICINN (PID2019-104772-GB-I00, PID2019-111281-GB-I00, RED2018-102387-T, and RED2018-102471-T), and by the European Commission (ERC-2020-SyG-951281) is gratefully acknowledged.

Resumen del póster presentado a la XXXVIII Reunión Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Química, celebrada en el Palacio de Congresos de Granada, del 27 de junio al 30 de junio de 2022.

Peer reviewed