Metal-Organic Frameworks Constructed from a New Thiophene-Functionalized Dicarboxylate: Luminescence Sensing and Pesticide Removal

Design and synthesis of a new highly efficient adjustable Ln-MOF for fluorescence sensing and information encryption

Elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray single crystal diffraction indicated that a novel metal-organic framework (Tb-MOF) designated as 0.5n[H2bpy]·[Tb(dpa)(H2O)2]n·4nH2O was synthesized successfully, (where H4dpa = 5-(3, 4-dicarboxy- phenoxy) isophenic acid, bpy = protonated 4,4'-bipyridine). Tb-MOF adopts a 3D network structure based on TbIII ions and the (dpa)4- ligand through µ4: η1, η2, η2, η2 binding modes. Various luminescent EuxTb1-x-MOFs were prepared by adjusting Tb3+ and Eu3+ concentrations. Fluorescence analysis revealed Tb-MOF's strong fluorescence and excellent sensing ability for pollutants like nitrobenzene (NB), ornidazole (ORN), and fluridine (Flu) in water. It is worth noting that the fluorescence quenching rate of Tb-MOF for nitrobenzene can reach 97.1 %, which is also one of the highest among Ln-MOFs. XPS, LUMO orbital energy levels, fluorescence lifetime, and UV absorption were employed to explore the fluorescence quenching mechanism. Tb-MOF demonstrates robust anti-counterfeiting properties and stability, particularly against Flu, and allows rapid in situ imaging of pesticide residues on vegetables. Moreover, leveraging the adjustable emission spectra of EuxTb1-x-MOF, a barcode system for anti-counterfeiting labels has been developed, showing the versatility of stable metal-organic frameworks in advanced technologies for anti-counterfeiting applications.

A multifunctional Tb-MOF constructed with triphenylamine-based hexacarboxylate ligands for highly luminescent sensing toward antibiotics and salicylaldehydes

Antibiotics and salicylaldehydes are major organic pollutants in the environment, and their efficient selection and sensitive detection are of great significance but also challenging. A multifunctional terbium-organic framework (Tb-MOF) with multiple π-conjugated rings and basic sites decorated nanoporous channels was constructed with triphenylamine-based hexacarboxylate ligands. Structure analysis of Tb-MOF revealed that the six carboxyl groups on the skeleton of ligand exhibit considerable degree of distortion and can be regarded as three triangular nodes, which further combined the binuclear [Tb2(COO)6(H2O)4] nodes to form a new (3,3,3,6)-connected 3D net. Importantly, Tb-MOF provided the first example of luminescent MOFs constructed from triphenylamine-based hexacarboxylate ligands with multi-responsive behavior toward antibiotics and salicylaldehydes. Tb-MOF demonstrated excellent performance on the selection and recognition of two antibiotics, metronidazole (MDZ) and dimetridazole (DTZ), with the detection limit (LOD) of 0.60 and 0.95 μM, respectively. More importantly, Tb-MOF can achieve highly sensitive detection of three aldehydes, salicylaldehyde (SA), 5-methylsalicylaldehyde (5-MeSA) and 5-chlorsalicylaldehyde (5-ClSA), with LODs up to 0.58, 0.59 and 0.48 μM, respectively. Regenerated experiments indicated that Tb-MOF can be employed for the efficient detection of MDZ and SA at least five times. Thus, Tb-MOF can be potentially explored as a promising sensor to simultaneously identify antibiotics and salicylaldehydes in chemical detection and biologic environments with ultra-sensitivity, low LODs and extraordinary recycling capacity.

Thiophene-Functionalized Cadmium(II)-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for CO2 Adsorption with Gate-Opening Effect, Separation, and Catalytic Conversion

Two new porous three-dimensional cadmium(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing thiophene-appended carboxylate acid ligands, formulated as [Cd(L1)(4,4'-Bipy)]n.2n(DMF) (1) and [Cd(L2)(4,4'-Bipy)]n.2n(DMF) (2) [where L1 = 5-{(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)amino}isophthalate, L2 = 5-{(thiophen-3-ylmethyl)amino}isophthalate, 4,4'-Bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, and DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The gas adsorption analysis of the activated MOFs shows that they specifically capture CO2 (uptake amount 4.36 mmol/g under 1 bar at 195 K) over N2 and CH4. Moreover, both MOFs show a gate-opening-closing phenomenon, which features the S-shaped isotherms with impressive hysteretic desorption during the CO2 adsorption-desorption process at 195 K. Ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations of these MOFs displayed that the obtained selectivity values for CO2/CH4 (50:50) and CO2/N2 (15:85) are approximately 8.6-23 and 93-565, respectively. Configurational bias Monte Carlo simulation was performed to understand the mechanism behind the better CO2 adsorption by these MOFs. Catalytic activity of the MOFs for the CO2 fixation reactions with different epoxides to form cyclic carbonates were tested. These MOFs demonstrated a significantly high conversion (94-99%) of epichlorohydrin to the corresponding cyclic carbonate within 8 h of reaction time at 1 bar of CO2 pressure, at 70 °C, and they can be reused up to five cycles without losing considerably their activity.

High-sensitively fluorescent switch-type sensing for Ag+ and halide anions of 2D Cd-based network constructed with logic gates

Effective detection of the concentration of Ag+ ions in bactericidal fluid is one of the necessary conditions for their effective utilization for sterilization. A novel 2D Cd(II) coordination polymer (CP1), named as [Cd(HDPN)(4,4'-bbpy)]·2H2O, was hydrothermally synthesized using 5-(2',4'-dicarboxylphenyl) nicotic acid (H3DPN) and 4,4'-bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl (4,4'-bbpy). The structure analysis discovered that CP1 possessed a 2D network structure of dinuclear inorganic building blocks. Fluorescence sensing discovered that CP1 could high-sensitively detect Ag+, tetracycline, nitrobenzene and pyrimethanil and the lowest limit of detection (LOD) were 1.44 × 10-8M, 2.15 × 10-8M, 8.09 × 10-8M, and 2.54 × 10-7M, respectively. It is worth noting that the quenching occurs after the addition of Ag+ to the aqueous solution of CP1, and then it gradually recovers when one of the halide anions (X- = Cl-, Br- and I-) is added, forming a unique "on-off-on" fluorescence sensor for Ag+ and constructing a simple logic gate. The fluorescence sensing mechanism of CP1 was investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, PXRD, XPS, and DFT methods. The research indicates that CP1 is anticipated to serve as an excellent multifunctional fluorescence sensor, especially as a switch-type sensor for Ag+ and the halide anions.

Colorimetric detection of Fe2+ and Cr2O72- in environmental water samples based on dual-emitting RhB-embedded Zr-MOFs

Three dye-loaded tunable dual-emission colorimetric fluorescent probes RhB@UiO-66-Ph (R@U-P) were prepared by in-situ encapsulation method under solvothermal conditions. The resonance energy transfer between UiO-66-Ph and RhB made the dual emission of R@U-P easily tunable with the embedded dye content changing. The R@U-P composites achieved emission from purple light to red light, and served as probes to realize comparative detection of Fe3+, Fe2+ and Cr2O72- in water through colorimetric or quenching detection mode. Mechanism study indicates that the resonance energy transfer or electron transfer interactions between R@U-P composites and inorganic ions resulted in the relative changes of the two emission peaks and realized the selective detection of analytes. The preparation and application of R@U-P probes provide a promising strategy for the in-situ encapsulation dye to obtain two dual-emission composites for the comparative detection of Fe3+, Fe2+ and Cr2O72- in water samples.

MOFs as versatile scaffolds to explore environmental contaminants based on their luminescence bustle

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with luminescent properties hold significant promise for environmental remediation. This review critically examines recent research on these materials design, synthesis, and applications, mainly focusing on their role in combating environmental pollutants. Through a comprehensive analysis of metal ions, ligands, and framework compositions, the review discusses the importance of tailored design and synthesis approaches in achieving desired luminescent characteristics. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of luminous MOFs as fluorescent sensors for a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, reactive species, antibiotics, and explosives. Considering all this, the review discusses future research needs and opportunities in the field of luminous MOFs. It emphasizes the importance of developing multifunctional materials, refining design methodologies, exploring sensing mechanisms, and ensuring environmental compatibility, scalability, and affordability. By providing insights into the current state of research and outlining future directions, this review is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to address environmental challenges using MOF-based solutions.

Powders to Thin Films: Advances in Conjugated Microporous Polymer Chemical Sensors

Chemical sensing of harmful species released either from natural or anthropogenic activities is critical to ensuring human safety and health. Over the last decade, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have been proven to be potential sensor materials with the possibility of realizing sensing devices for practical applications. CMPs found to be unique among other porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) due to their high chemical/thermal stability, high surface area, microporosity, efficient host-guest interactions with the analyte, efficient exciton migration along the π-conjugated chains, and tailorable structure to target specific analytes. Several CMP-based optical, electrochemical, colorimetric, and ratiometric sensors with excellent selectivity and sensing performance were reported. This review comprehensively discusses the advances in CMP chemical sensors (powders and thin films) in the detection of nitroaromatic explosives, chemical warfare agents, anions, metal ions, biomolecules, iodine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with simultaneous delineation of design strategy principles guiding the selectivity and sensitivity of CMP. Preceding this, various photophysical mechanisms responsible for chemical sensing are discussed in detail for convenience. Finally, future challenges to be addressed in the field of CMP chemical sensors are discussed.

Imidazolium-Functionalized Conjugated Polymer for On-Site Visual and Ultrasensitive Detection of Toxic Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is considered a serious environmental pollutant that possesses a hazardous effect on humans even at low concentrations. Thus, the development of a bifunctional material for ultratrace-selective detection and effective elimination of Cr(VI) from the environment remains highly desirable and scarcely reported. In this work, we explore an imidazolium-appended polyfluorene derivative PF-DBT-Im as a highly sensitive/selective optical probe and a smart adsorbent for Cr(VI) ions with an ultralow detection limit of 1.77 nM and removal efficiency up to 93.7%. In an aqueous medium, PF-DBT-Im displays obvious transformation in its emission color from blue to magenta on exclusively introducing Cr(VI), facilitating naked-eye colorimetric detection. Consequently, a portable sensory device integrated with a smartphone is fabricated for realizing real-time and on-site visual detection of Cr(VI). Besides, the imidazolium groups attached onto side chains of PF-DBT-Im are found to be highly beneficial for achieving selective and efficient elimination of Cr(VI) with capacity as high as 128.71 mg g-1. More interestingly, PF-DBT-Im could be easily regenerated following treatment with KBr and can be recycled at least five times in a row. The main factor behind ultrasensitive response and excellent removal efficiency is found to be anion-exchange-induced formation of a unique ground-state complex between PF-DBT-Im and Cr(VI), as evident by FT-IR, XPS, and simulation studies. Thus, taking advantage of the excellent signal amplification property and rich ion-exchange sites, a dual-functional-conjugated polymer PF-DBT-Im is presented for the concurrent recognition and elimination of Cr(VI) ions proficiently and promptly with great prospects in environmental monitoring and water decontamination.

A Multivariate 2D Metal-Organic Framework with Open Metal Sites for Catalytic CO2 Cycloaddition and Cyanosilylation Reactions

This work reports the synthesis of a dual functional 2D framework, {[Zn2(4-tpom)2(oxdz)2]·4H2O}n (1), at room temperature, where a bent dicarboxylate, oxdz2- (4,4'-(1,3,4-oxadiazole-2,5-diyl)dibenzoate), and a neutral flexible N-donor linker, 4-tpom (tetrakis(4-pyridyloxymethylene)methane), are utilized. Its single-crystal X-ray analysis indicated a 2-fold interpenetrated 2D framework having tetracoordinated Zn(II) centers and dangling pyridyl groups. Its further characterization was carried out with elemental microanalysis, FTIR spectroscopy, TG analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. The tetracoordinated Zn(II) centers as active Lewis acidic sites and the N atoms of 4-tpom as Lewis basic sites in 1 are explored for its functioning as a heterogeneous catalyst in two important reactions, (i) cycloaddition of CO2 with various epoxides and (ii) cyanosilylation reaction under solvent-free conditions. We could successfully show the cycloaddition of styrene oxide with CO2 (99% conversion) under balloon pressure with low catalyst (0.2-0.3 mol %) and cocatalyst (0.5-0.75 mol %) loadings, which is otherwise difficult to achieve. It was observed that all the substrates (aromatic and aliphatic), irrespective of their sizes, showed conversion percentage >99%. In the cyanosilylation reaction, a conversion of 96% was obtained with 1.5 mol % of 1 at room temperature for 12 h. This framework emerged as an excellent recyclable catalyst for both the reactions.

Series of Cadmium-Organic Frameworks Based on Mixed Flexible and Rigid Ligands: Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformations, Sorption, and Luminescence Properties

Here, we present a series of Cd(II) coordination polymers containing two types of ligands: sterically rigid terephthalate derivatives (bdc-NO22- and bdc-Br2-) and flexible bis(2-methylimidazolyl)propane (bmip). The combination of two types of ligands is used to obtain and characterize compounds by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, elemental analysis, and TGA. Guest exchange results in structural transformations. 2-fold interpenetrated 1·DMF and 2·DMF rapidly undergo to 4-fold interpenetrated 1·Et2O, 1·EtOH, and 1·H2O, or 2·Et2O, respectively. Also, changes in the coordinating numbers and length of the N,N'-donor bmip ligand were observed according to single crystal X-ray analysis. Activated guest-free compounds [Cd(bdc-NO2)(bmip)] (1) and [Cd(bdc-Br)(bmip)] (2) are shown to be porous with a BET surface area of 103 and 283 m2·g-1, respectively. Moreover, both compounds demonstrate gate-opening behavior of ethylene adsorption isotherms at low pressures (<1 bar) and highly selective adsorption of benzene over cyclohexane or lower alcohols. Also, both compounds demonstrate a strong dependence of the maximum of the photoluminescence emission on an excitation wavelength. As a result, the photoluminescence color changes from white to red and from blue to red through green and yellow for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, with excitation wavelength changing from 360 to 540 nm.

Solid-state red-emissive (cyano)vinylene heteroaromatics via Pd-catalysed C-H homocoupling

Thiophene-based π-conjugated systems are important materials for organic electronics; thus, their synthesis is of topical interest. We report fluorescent thiophene/furan-based vinylene and cyanovinylene systems via Pd-catalysed homocoupling [Pd(OAc)₂, pivalic acid, KOAc, DMAc, 140 °C]. The methodology is versatile and allows the development of a variety of π-conjugated systems without the need for pre-functionalized building units. The reaction tolerates electron-rich, electron-deficient and large π-conjugated substrates. The developed compounds absorb in the visible region (400-515 nm) and emit green to orange fluorescence in the solution state (510-600 nm). Most importantly, the compounds exhibit strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in the NIR region (λ_em = 650 nm), with quantum yields reaching up to 10%. Steric hindrance imparted by vinylene/cyanovinylene units is responsible for the strong solid-state luminescence. DFT-optimized structures reveal an apparent twist of 20-40° in the molecular backbone of the compounds, supporting the AIE behaviour of the compounds.

A pH-Stable TbIII-Based Metal-Organic Framework as a Turn-On and Blue-Shift Fluorescence Sensor toward Benzaldehyde and Salicylaldehyde in Aqueous Solution

A new polydentate tetracarboxylic acid with a benzothiadiazole unit (4',4'''-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-4,7-diyl)bis([1,1'-biphenyl]-3,5-dicarboxylic acid), H₄BTDBA) has been used to prepare a pH-stable three-dimensional Tb^III-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with the formula {[(CH₃)₂NH₂]_0.7[Tb₂(BTDBA)_1.5(lac)_0.7(H₂O)₂]·solvents}_n (Hlac = lactic acid, JXUST-19). JXUST-19 exhibits a new (4,4,12)-connected topology based on tetranuclear [Tb₄] clusters. JXUST-19 can remain stable when soaked in water for at least 1 week and in aqueous solutions with various pH values (2-12) for 24 h. Fluorescence study indicates JXUST-19 can be employed as a rare turn-on and blue-shift MOF sensor toward benzaldehyde (BZ) and salicylaldehyde (SA). To date, JXUST-19 represents the first Tb^III-based turn-on MOF sensor toward salicylaldehyde in aqueous solution, and the fluorescence enhancement and naked-eye detection of BZ have been rarely reported. In addition, JXUST-19 based fluorescent test papers, light-emitting diode lamp beads, and portable composite films were developed to realize naked-eye detection of BZ and SA, which has great potential in practical applications.

One Luminescent Cadmium Iodide with Free Bifunctional Azole Sites as a Triple Sensor for Cu2+, Fe3+, and Cr2O72- Ions

The exploration of an excellent triple sensor for monitoring Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Cr₂O₇^2- ions is of exceeding significance because of their serious effects on the human body. Herein, optically active 1H-3,5-bis(pyrazinyl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hbpt) with triazolyl and pyrazinyl groups was applied for the construction of a new type of organic hybrid cadmium iodide [Cd₆I₈(bpt)₄(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (1) incorporating a hitherto-unknown [Cd₃I₄(H₂O)₂]²⁺ trimeric-cationic unit, which shows an orange light emission at 589 nm with a large Stokes shift of 246 nm. In virtue of the existence of free bifunctional azole sites as the receptors, 1 exhibits a highly selective and sensitive sensing property toward Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Cr₂O₇^2- ions in aqueous solution with lower detection limits of 0.70∼4.46 ppm, which offers the sole example of cadmium iodide as an excellent triple sensor for detecting Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Cr₂O₇^2- ions. Moreover, temperature-dependent luminescent determinations also reveal that 1 can be used as the potential luminescent molecular thermometer.

Selective detection of sulfasalazine antibiotic and its controllable photodegradation into 5-aminosalicylic acid by visible-light-responsive metal-organic framework

The extensive use of sulfasalazine (SSZ) antibiotics has brought potential threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Thus, necessary measures for the removal of SSZ must be taken to prevent arbitrary antibiotic exposure to the aquatic environment. However, not all the recent photocatalysts that have been used for the degradation of SSZ could not achieve the controlled release of SSZ and hence are losing their medicinal values. Herein, by utilizing an Eosin Y moiety as an efficient light-harvesting and emission site, an Eosin Y-based visible-light-responsive metal-organic framework has been synthesized and characterized, which exhibits high selectivity for detecting the antibiotic SSZ in water and simulated physiological conditions, with a detection limit of below 1 μM (0.4 μg mL^-1). It also represents the first example of a MOF-based photocatalyst for the controllable degradation of SSZ into 5-aminosalicylic acid with excellent catalytic activity and recyclability.

Dye-Encapsulated Lanthanide-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as a Dual-Emission Sensitization Platform for Alachlor Sensing

As an important factor affecting global agricultural output, pesticides have a significant impact on the ecosystem. It is an urgent task to accurately and conveniently detect pesticide residues after their application. Herein, a fluorescent dye@MOF platform was designed via the encapsulation of rhodamine B (RhB) into the MOF structure (named RhB@HNU-48), which can significantly enhance the sensing sensitivity of alachlor with an ultralow detection limit of 0.59 ppb. The improved sensitivity of RhB@HNU-48 to pesticides was attributed to the host-guest interactions that affect the excitation and emission spectra of the composites. Based on the sensing capability of RhB@HNU-48, a logic gate was built to evaluate the safety level of alachlor residues in rivers and soil. The preparation of photofunctionalized MOF composites through modulation of host-guest interactions offers a promising strategy for the construction of desired sensors for agricultural residues.

Identification of heavy metal ions from aqueous environment through gold, Silver and Copper Nanoparticles: An excellent colorimetric approach

Heavy metal pollution has become a severe threat to human health and the environment for many years. Their extensive release can severely damage the environment and promote the generation of many harmful diseases of public health concerns. These toxic heavy metals can cause many health problems such as brain damage, kidney failure, immune system disorder, muscle weakness, paralysis of the limbs, cardio complaint, nervous system. For many years, researchers focus on developing specific reliable analytical methods for the determination of heavy metal ions and preventing their acute toxicity to a significant extent. The modern researchers intended to utilize efficient and discerning materials, e.g. nanomaterials, especially the metal nanoparticles to detect heavy metal ions from different real sources rapidly. The metal nanoparticles have been broadly utilized as a sensing material for the colorimetric detection of toxic metal ions. The metal nanoparticles such as Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), and Copper (Cu) exhibited localized plasmon surface resonance (LPSR) properties which adds an outstanding contribution to the colorimetric sensing field. Though, the stability of metal nanoparticles was major issue to be exploited colorimetric sensing of heavy emtal ions, but from last decade different capping and stabilizing agents such as amino acids, vitmains, acids and ploymers were used to functionalize the metal surface of metal nanoparticles. These capping agents prevent the agglomeration of nanoparticles and make them more active for prolong period of time. This review covers a comprehensive work carried out for colorimetric detection of heavy metals based on metal nanoparticles from the year 2014 to onwards.

Effect of Unsaturated Metal Site Modulation in Highly Stable Microporous Materials on CO2 Capture and Fixation

We have designed and synthesized two unprecedented microporous three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks, {[Cd₆(TPOM)₃(L)₆]·12DMF·3H₂O}_n (1) and {[Zn₂(TPOM)(L)₂]·2DMF·H₂O}_n (2), based on a flexible quadritopic ligand, tetrakis(4-pyridyloxymethylene)methane (TPOM), and a bent dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-(dimethylsilanediyl)bis-benzoic acid (H₂L). The networks of 1 and 2 share a 4-c uninodal net NbO topology but exhibit different metal environments due to coordination preferences of Cd(II) and Zn(II). The Cd(II) center in 1 is six-coordinated, whereas the Zn(II) center in 2 is only four-coordinated, making the latter an unsaturated metal center. Such modulation of coordination atmosphere of metal centers in MOFs with the same topology is possible due to diverse binding of the carboxylate groups of L^2-. Both 1 and 2 have relatively high thermal stability and exhibit permanent porosity after the removal of guest solvent molecules based on variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction and gas adsorption analysis. These materials exhibit similar gas adsorption properties, especially highly selective CO₂ uptake/capture over other gases (N₂ and CH₄). However, because of the presence of an unsaturated Lewis acidic metal site, 2 acts as a very efficient heterogeneous catalyst toward the chemical conversion of CO₂ to cyclic carbonates under mild conditions, whereas 1 shows very less activity. This work provides experimental evidence for the postulate that an unsaturated metal site in MOFs enhances adsoprtion of CO₂ and promotes its conversion via the Lewis-acid catalysis.

Micro-/Mesoporous Fluorescent Polymers and Devices for Visual Pesticide Detection with Portability, High Sensitivity, and Ultrafast Response

The residue of pesticides in crops, soil, and water continues to be a widespread concern due to the threat to human health and food safety. With the aim to develop highly sensitive sensing materials and portable detection devices, two dicarbazole-based fluorescent micro-/mesoporous polymers (JYs) with a larger specific surface area and pore sizes ranging from 1.1 to 34.2 nm are synthesized. The Stern-Volmer constants of JY fluorescence quenching for imidacloprid (50,063 M^-1) exceed 23-51 times those of the reported porous organic polymers (980-2173 M^-1). Of particular interest is the observation that JYs show rapid fluorescence response (2 s) and ultralow detection limit (30 ppb) for imidacloprid in water medium. The pronounced chemsensing property is attributed to the synergistic role of the hierarchical pore structure, large π-conjugation of chromophore groups, and strong inner filter effect between the polymer and imidacloprid molecule. Moreover, the pesticide detection of JYs exhibits good interference resistance in complicated service environments such as the extract liquids of the apple peel and field soil as well as aqueous solutions of various cations and anions. Because of the portability, excellent reusability, and sensitive fluorescence response, the prepared JYs and detection devices have promising applications in the on-site monitoring and early warning of the pesticide residues.

Robust Al3+ MOF with Selective As(V) Sorption and Efficient Luminescence Sensing Properties toward Cr(VI)

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new robust Al³⁺ metal-organic framework MOF, [Al(OH)(PATP)]·solvent (Al-MOF-1, with PATP^2- = 2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)terephthalate). Al-MOF-1 exhibits excellent stability from highly acidic (pH = 2) to basic (pH = 12) aqueous solutions or in the presence of oxoanionic species [As(V) and Cr(VI)]. On the contrary, the related MIL-53(Al) MOF (Al(OH) (BDC), with BDC^2- = terephthalate) shows a partial structure collapse under these conditions, signifying the superior chemical robustness of Al-MOF-1. Al-MOF-1 was proved to be an effective sorbent toward As(V) with efficient sorption capacity (71.9 ± 3.8 mg As/g), rapid sorption kinetics (equilibrium time ≤1 min), and high selectivity in the presence of various competing anions. Furthermore, Al-MOF-1 revealed high sorption capacities for Cr(VI) species in both neutral (124.5 ± 8.6 mg Cr/g) and acidic (63 ± 2 mg Cr/g) aqueous media, combining fast kinetics and relatively good selectivity. The limited porosity (BET = 38 m²/g) and small pores (2-3 Å) of the material indicate that the sorption process occurs exclusively on the external surface of Al-MOF-1 particles. The driving force for the capture of oxoanions by Al-MOF-1 is the strong electrostatic interactions between the oxoanionic species and the positively charged surface of MOF particles. Aiming at a practical wastewater treatment, we have also immobilized Al-MOF-1 on a cotton substrate, coated with polydopamine. The fabric sorbent exhibited highly effective removal of the toxic oxoanionic species from aqueous media under either batch or dynamic (continuous flow) conditions. In addition, Al-MOF-1 was found to be a promising luminescence sensor for detecting trace amounts of Cr(VI) in real water samples, with Cr(VI) being successfully detected at concentrations well below the acceptable limits (<50 ppb). Moreover, Al-MOF-1 was demonstrated to be a sufficient water sensor in organic solvents (LOD ≤0.25% v/v). All the above indicate that Al-MOF-1 represents a multifunctional material with a multitude of potential applications, such as environmental remediation, industrial wastewater treatment, chemical analysis, and water determination in biofuels.

Visual Hg(II) sensing in aqueous solution via a new 2,5-Bis(4-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based fluorescence coordination polymer

A new fluorescence coordination polymer [Zn(Py₂TTz)(5-OH-IPA)]_n (1) (Py₂TTz = 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole, 5-OH-IPA = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid dianion) was synthesized, which exhibited the characteristics of fluorescence quenching and bathochromic shift toward Hg(II) in aqueous solution at pH 7.00. Mechanism study showed that the interactions between Hg(II) ions and Py₂TTz ligands in 1 were responsible for the fluorescence emission change. Thanks to the specific interactions between 1 and Hg(II), excellent selectivity was achieved both in aqueous solution and in solid test paper. The detection limit of 1 for Hg(II) sensing was 125.76 nmol L^-1 and a linear rang was 1.00-10.00 μmol L^-1. More importantly, satisfactory recovery and accuracy of 1 for Hg(II) sensing were also obtained in buffer-free real water samples.

Two robust Zn(ii)-organic frameworks as dual-functional fluorescent probes for efficient sensing of enrofloxacin and MnO4− anions

Two robust Zn-MOFs were employed as visual and ultra-sensitive indicators toward enrofloxacin (ENR) and MnO4− anions in aqueous phase.

A multifunctional fluorescent Cd-MOF probe: its synthesis, structure, and sensing properties

A Cd-MOF with a one-dimensional cavity can be used as a multifunctional fluorescent probe to effectively recognize CrO42− and Cr2O72− ions, Fe3+ ions and TNP molecules.

A fluorescent zirconium organic framework displaying rapid and nanomolar level detection of Hg(II) and nitroantibiotics

The solvothermal reaction of ZrCl4 with benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid linker molecule in presence of trifluoro acetic acid modulator afforded the UiO-66 type of metal organic framework (MOF) (IITG-5, IITG = Indian...

Highly sensitive fluorescent sensing platform for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam by aggregation-induced emission of the Zr(Ⅳ) metal - organic framework

A novel luminescent UiO-66-NH₂ (UN) demonstrated great potentials to sense imidacloprid (IM) and thiamethoxam (TH) pesticides with high sensitivity and desirable selectivity. The UN exhibits superb luminescence emission properties, which have been found to enhance the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of IM and TH. The enhanced AIE of IM and TH on UN has been applied for the sensitive sensing of IM and TH, and a limit of detection (LOD) of IM was estimated to be 5.57 μg/L. LOD of TH was found to be 0.98 μg/L, respectively. Interestingly, the other neonicotinoid pesticides showed a low interference response in recognition of IM and TH. More importantly, we have further demonstrated that the UN are successfully used to sense IM and TH in real samples of fruit juice with a high recovery of 85-116%, and relative standard deviation (RSD) were from 3.42% to 16.07%.

Tuning Chromophore-Based LMOF Dimensionality to Enhance Detection Sensitivity for Fe3+ Ions

Herein, we report the synthesis of two new manganese-based luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) [Mn_0.5(tipe)(1,4-ndc)] _n (1) and [Mn(tipe)(1,4-ndc) (H₂O)·(DMF)₂·(H₂O)₃] _n (2) [tipe = 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)ethene (tipe) and 1,4-ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid] constructed from an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) chromophore ligand. Compound 1 can undergo a facile single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation to form compound 2, which results in an increase in dimensionality from a two-dimensional (2D) network to a three-dimensional (3D) network. Both compounds demonstrate excellent performance for the solution-phase detection of Fe³⁺ ions through a significant and rapid quench in luminescence emission. Fluorescence titration experiments reveal that compound 2 is more selective toward Fe³⁺ compared to compound 1 because of its 3D stacking mode. The K _sv value for compound 2 (32 378 M^-1) is twice as large as that for compound 1 (15 854 M^-1) for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions. We attribute this significant increase in performance to the increase in dimensionality. In addition, compound 2 demonstrates high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of Cr³⁺ cations and Cr₂O₇ ^2- anions.

Highly Fluorescent Cadmium Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Rapid Detection of Antibiotic Residues, Fe3+ and Cr2O72- Ions

Here, two novel 3D Cd(II)-MOFs, [Cd₃·L·(BTB)₂·2DMF] and [(Cd₃O₂)·L·BTC] (denoted as CUST-532 and CUST-533, L = 9,10-bis(N-benzimidazolyl)-anthracene, BTB = 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl) benzene, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, CUST = Changchun University of Science and Technology), were synthesized by solvothermal conditions. Both CUST-532 and CUST-533 are 3D (3,8)-c topological nets with the same point symbol of {4³}₂{4⁶·6¹⁸·8⁴}. PXRD and TGA analyses prove that CUST-532 and CUST-533 have good structural stability and thermal stability. On the basis of the high fluorescence characteristics, the results of fluorescence sensing experiments show that CUST-532 and CUST-533 can be used as multifunctional chemical sensors to achieve rapid fluorescence quenching response to antibiotic residues, Fe³⁺ and Cr₂O₇^2- ions at a much lower concentration. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms of fluorescence quenching in the sensing process were systematically studied by PXRD, UV-vis, fluorescence decay lifetime, and density functional theory.

Simultaneously removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) from water using a flower-like primary battery nanosystem

In this study, a new flower-like primary battery nanosystem termed "Zn/CCP/ZIF-8" was prepared by depositing conductive carbon paint (CCP) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) on a zinc plate (Zn). Therein, CCP had good conductivity performance and adhesiveness, ZIF-8 and Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 possessed BET specific surface areas of 1909.5 and 1265.4 m²/g respectively. The results showed that the Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 nanosystem could effectively simultaneously adsorb hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and bivalent cadmium (Cd(II)) from water. The system could promote the transfer of electrons from Zn to Cr(VI) and Cd(II) which were effectively reduced to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and cadmium (Cd), respectively. The resultant Zn/CCP/ZIF-8/Cr/Cd composite was then easily separated from water. The adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamics of the prepared Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 for Cr(VI) and Cd(II) were investigated. An electrochemistry performance test proved that the Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 system was a primary battery. Notably, the Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 system substantially reduced the amounts of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) absorbed by zebrafish and water spinach, thus increasing food safety. The results of a rat test indicated that the Zn/CCP/ZIF-8 system possessed a high biosafety. This study provides a promising, eco-friendly, and facile method for the simultaneously treatment of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) contamination of water.

Efficient chemosensors for toxic pollutants based on photoluminescent Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) metal-organic networks

Optical sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, as important analytical tools for chemical and environmental research, can be realized by straightforward synthesis of luminescent one-, two- and three-dimensional Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) crystalline coordination arrays (CPs and MOFs). In these materials with emission centers typically based on charge transfer and intraligand emissions, the quantitative detection of specific analytes, as pesticides or anions, is probed by monitoring real-time changes in their photoluminescence and color emission properties. Pesticides/herbicides have extensive uses in agriculture and household applications. Also, a large amount of metal salts of cyanide is widely used in several industrial processes such as mining and plastic manufacturing. Acute or chronic exposure to these compounds can produce high levels of toxicity in humans, animals and plants. Due to environmental concerns associated with the accumulation of these noxious species in food products and water supplies, there is an urgent and growing need to develop direct, fast, accurate and low-cost sensing methodologies. In this critical frontier, we discuss the effective strategies, chemical stability, luminescence properties, sensitivity and selectivity of recently developed hybrid Zn(ii)/Cd(ii)-organic materials with analytical applications in the direct sensing of pesticides, herbicides and cyanide ions in the aqueous phase and organic solvents.

Engineered Bifunctional Luminescent Pillared-Layer Frameworks for Adsorption of CO2 and Sensitive Detection of Nitrobenzene in Aqueous Media

Through a dual-ligand synthetic approach, five isoreticular primitive cubic (pcu)-type pillared-layer metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn₂ (dicarboxylate)₂ (NI-bpy-44)]⋅x DMF⋅y H₂ O, in which dicarboxylate=1,4-bdc (1), Br-1,4-bdc (2), NH₂ -1,4-bdc (3), 2,6-ndc (4), and bpdc (5), have been engineered. MOFs 1-5 feature twofold degrees of interpenetration and have open pores of 27.0, 33.6, 36.8, 52.5, and 62.1 %, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms of activated MOFs 1'-5' at 77 K all displayed type I adsorption behavior, suggesting their microporous nature. Although 1' and 3'-5' exhibited type I adsorption isotherms of CO₂ at 195 K, MOF 2' showed a two-step gate-opening sorption isotherm of CO₂ . Furthermore, MOF 3' also had a significant influence of amine functions on CO₂ uptake at high temperature due to the CO₂ -framework interactions. MOFs 1-5 revealed solvent-dependent fluorescence properties; their strong blue-light emissions in aqueous suspensions were efficiently quenched by trace amounts of nitrobenzene (NB), with limits of detection of 4.54, 5.73, 1.88, 2.30, and 2.26 μm, respectively, and Stern-Volmer quenching constants (K_sv ) of 2.93×10³ , 1.79×10³ , 3.78×10³ , 4.04×10³ , and 3.21×10³  m^-1 , respectively. Of particular note, the NB-included framework, NB@3, provided direct evidence of the binding sites, which showed strong host-guest π-π and hydrogen-bonding interactions beneficial for donor-acceptor electron transfer and resulting in fluorescence quenching.

Effective nitenpyram detection in a dual-walled nitrogen-rich In(iii)/Tb(iii)–organic framework

A heterometallic MOF probe with the advantages of strong fluorescence, simple synthesis, high density of Lewis acidic and basic sites, and repeatable use, has been designed and synthesized, which exhibits a rapid and sensitive reaction to nitenpyram.

Four dual-functional luminescent Zn(ii)-MOFs based on 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid with pyridylbenzimidazole ligands for detection of iron(iii) ions and acetylacetone

Four Zn-MOFs with different topological types were synthesized and characterized, MOFs 1–4 have excellent sensitivity, selectivity, recyclability and structural stabilities for detecting acac/Fe³⁺ in the naked eye range.

Luminescence sensing and photocatalytic activities of four Zn(ii)/Co(ii) coordination polymers based on a pyridinephenyl bifunctional ligand

Four Zn(ii)/Co(ii) CPs act as bifunctional materials in the detection of Fe(iii) cation, Cr(vi) anion, and nitrofuran antibiotics and removal of methylene blue in aqueous media.

Synthesis of a bimetallic metal–organic framework catalyst via selective detection and adsorption of Fe3+ for enhanced bio-based catalysis

A MOF with good chemical resistance exhibits a sensitive fluorescence response and absorbance for Fe3+; Tb-HODA⊃Fe3+ enhances the catalytic efficiency for the dehydration of fructose/glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

A novel CdII-based metal–organic framework as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor for Fe3+, MnO4−, Cr2O72−, salicylaldehyde and ethylenediamine detection with high selectivity and sensitivity

A luminescent Cd^II-based MOF has been synthesized.

An acetoxy functionalized Al(III) based metal-organic framework showing selective "turn on" detection of perborate in environmental samples

Here, we have described the design, preparation and detailed characterization of a new acetoxy functionalized aluminium based metal-organic framework (MOF) called CAU-10-OCOCH3 (1) (CAU stands for Christian-Albrechts-University). The desolvated compound was employed for the detection of perborate in a pure aqueous environment. The presented MOF based perborate sensing probe (1) was synthesized by employing 5-acetoxyisophthalic acid and AlCl3·6H2O as the linker molecule and metal salt source, respectively, in DMF/H2O medium at 120 °C for 12 h. The material (1') showed a very selective fluorescent turn-on response towards perborate in aqueous medium with the coexistence of several competitive analytes. A dramatic increment (65 fold) in emission intensity of the probe was observed within 5 min of the addition of perborate. A chemo-selective reaction between perborate and the acetoxy functionality and subsequent hydrolysis of the acetoxy group to the hydroxy group is the main cause of the turn-on nature of detection. The material showed a detection limit of 1.19 μM. The probe was also applied for the recognition of perborate in several environmental water samples. The material is the first ever MOF based probe for selective detection of perborate.

A copper-based metal-organic framework for ratiometric detection of hydrogen sulfide with high sensitivity and fast response

Metal-organic framework (MOF) is a class of crystalline porous solid materials which could be designed as sensors for bioactive molecules. In this study, charge transition between the ligand and the metal ions related emission and the ligand-based emission were formed simultaneously within a novel luminescent MOF with the copper reactive site as nodes. It can serve as a rare example of MOFs implicated ratiometric sensor for selective luminescent detection of H₂S. The luminescent detection limitations for H₂S is 0.21 μM, and it possesses a fast response of 30 s. The sensing mechanism is also discussed.

Synthesis, crystal structure, luminescence, and photocatalytic properties of a 2D Cu(II) metal-organic frameworks based on 3,5-di(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridine and 4,4′-oxybis(benzoate) ligands

A new Cu(II) metal-organic framework, [Cu(L)(OBA)·H2O] n (1) [H2OBA = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid), L = 3,5-di(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridine] was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized through IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a four-connected uni-nodal 2D net with a (44·62) topology which shows an emission centered at λ ∼393 nm upon excitation at λ = 245 nm. Moreover, complex 1 possesses high photocatalytic activities for the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light irradiation.