Abstract: A linear copolymer of methyl acrylate and N-vinylcarbazole was prepared in benzene using AIBN as an initiator and then hydrolyzed in NaOH aqueous solution. The fluorescence intensities of the aqueous solution of the hydrolyzed water soluble copolymer increase with the increase of the pH value and the concentration of the cationic surfactant. Mercuryions(Hg²⁺)showed a certain quenching effect on the fluorescene of the copolymer aqueous solution. The concentration of Hg²⁺ is in a linear relationship with the fluorescence intensity (logI₀/I)of the polymer solution, that may be used to determine the trace amount of mercury by fluorescence quenching method.

Key words: fluorescence, N-vinyl carbazole, acrylic acid, copolymer