Synthesis of Buffer Chemical based Fluorescent Hyperbranched Polymers with Strong Ultraviolet Absorption and High Fluorescence Quantum Yield

Abstract In this work, a new type of fluorescent hyperbranched polymers (FHPs) was intentionally constructed from two buffer chemicals, citric acid (CA) and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS). CA and TRIS were first heated together to produce fluorescent branched intermediates through citrate-based fluorophore formation reaction, which were followed by esterification to generate FHP. The structure and properties of as prepared FHP were investigated, and it was found that FHP exhibited strong ultraviolet absorption and high fluorescence. These unique characteristics allowed FHP to apply in anti-counterfeiting and ultraviolet shielding. This work reports the first case of preparing conjugated FHP from nonconjugated monomers, and it will bring new inspiration and horizon to synthesis and application of hyperbranched polymers.