Self-ratiometric photoluminescence carbonized polymer dots with Junas structure for hypochlorite selective sensing

The Janus structure of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) is characterized by an independent yet interdependent core and shell structure, potentially enabling them to function as a self-ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) sensor. However, to our best knowledge, the current lacking understanding and development of the Janus structure of CPDs lead to the unfortunate loss of its position as PL sensors that could have supported life analysis to some extent. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehensively explore the structural characteristics of CPDs and furtherly develop its potential as self-ratiometric sensors. Herein, green and red double-emitting CPDs has been rationally designed and synthesized, incorporating a distinct core-shell structure to create a self-ratiometric sensor for hypochlorite (ClO−). Leveraging the low toxicity and high-water solubility of CPDs, we have successfully achieved exogenous and endogenous ClO− sensing in cells. This approach offers a novel strategy for developing CPDs-based sensors and sets the stage for a more in-depth exploration of the Janus structure of CPDs.