Hydrolytically Stable Luminescent Cationic Metal Organic Framework for Highly Sensitive and Selective Sensing of Chromate Anions in Natural Water Systems

Controlled Primary Amine-Enriched SG-Bonded Papain Surface: Synthesis, Characterization, and Extraction of Protonated Dichromate

The single-step synthesis of nitro-derivatized SG using dimethyldichlorosilane in an aprotic solvent dichloromethane at 300 K is efficient and straightforward. Reduction and diazotization effectively functionalize the material for enzyme coupling at the O-carbon of the enzyme's tyrosine. The high extraction efficiency of protonated dichromate ions with a breakthrough capacity of 480 μmol·g-1 is notable. Eco-friendly elution using distilled water achieves a significant enrichment factor of 23.2. Excellent reusability (up to 900 cycles) and stable sorption efficiency (ζ ≥ 0.9) highlight the material's potential for practical applications and future research.

A Multimode Optical Sensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Harmful Heavy Metal Cr(VI) in Fresh Water and Sea Water

Water pollution originating from heavy metals has shown great impacts on the ecological environment and human health due to their extremely low biodegradability. Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI), as one harmful heavy metal with strong oxidation, high biological permeability, and high carcinogenicity, is becoming an increasingly serious threat to human health. Therefore, conveniently but accurately, monitoring the Cr(VI) level in water to maintain its normal level and ensuring the stability of the ecosystem and human health become very valuable. However, most of these heavy metal sensors reported are turn-off type single-emission sensors. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescence/colorimetry/smartphone triple-mode turn-on optical sensor for Cr(VI) was developed based on a multifunctional metal-organic framework platform. The detection limits for these three mutual verification modes were only 1.28, 4.89, and 68.4 nM, respectively. Additionally, the color changes of the detection system under sunlight can also be observed directly by the naked eye. The accuracy and practicability of this multimode sensor were further proved by the detection of Cr(VI) in actual water and seawater samples, and the recovery rate ranged from 97.308 to 104.041%.

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.

Simultaneous Detection and Decontamination of Dichromate Ions: The Fluorescence Response and Photocatalysis of Thiadiazole-Modified Zr-Metal-Organic Frameworks

The simultaneous analysis and removal of highly toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in contaminated water via an easy method remain a serious task. Based on the guidance of bibliometric analysis, a thiadiazole ligand-modified zirconium metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) heralds a new and simple approach to Cr (VI) treatment. The concentration can be determined by fluorescence quenching with a low detection limit of 1.4 μM and a high quenching constant of 6.88 × 103 M-1. For the sensing mechanism, the fluorescence intensity of the Zr-MOF decreased rapidly due to the competition of Cr (VI) with the Zr-MOF for absorption excitation energy and the induction of Zr-MOF aggregation. The analysis system also displayed satisfactory stability and applicability. Apart from sensing application, Zr-MOF can convert Cr (VI) to Cr (III), and the reduction rate constant was 0.004 min-1 under irradiation. Therefore, the bifunctional Zr-MOF provided a potential application method for controlling the pollution caused by Cr (VI) in wastewater.

Reticular Chemistry for Optical Sensing of Anions

In the last few decades, reticular chemistry has grown significantly as a field of porous crystalline molecular materials. Scientists have attempted to create the ideal platform for analyzing distinct anions based on optical sensing techniques (chromogenic and fluorogenic) by assembling different metal-containing units with suitable organic linking molecules and different organic molecules to produce crystalline porous materials. This study presents novel platforms for anion recognition based on reticular chemistry with high selectivity, sensitivity, electronic tunability, structural recognition, strong emission, and thermal and chemical stability. The key materials for reticular chemistry, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), and Covalent-Organic Frameworks (COFs), and the pre- and post-synthetic modification of the linkers and the metal oxide clusters for the selective detection of the anions, have been discussed. The mechanisms involved in sensing are also discussed.

Three-Dimensional Neodymium Metal-Organic Framework for Catalyzing the Cyanosilylation of Aldehyde and the Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one Derivatives

In this work, a novel 3D lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF) Nd-cdip (H₄cdip = 5,5'-carbonyldiisophthalic acid) was successfully synthesized, which could be used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for cyanosilylation and the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives at room temperature based on the Lewis acid sites in the channels of the MOF. Moreover, Nd-cdip had an excellent turnover number (500) for catalyzing cyanosilylation in no solvent condition. Nd-cdip could be reused in both of the above-mentioned reactions at least five times without a significant decrease in yield. The possible mechanism of cyanosilylation catalyzed by Nd-cdip was studied by using the luminescence properties of Tb-cdip, which has the same structure and functions as Nd-cdip. Furthermore, both reactions catalyzed by Nd-cdip were fitted to zero-order dynamics.

Flumequine-mediated fluorescent zeolitic imidazolate framework functionalized by Eu3+ for sensitive and selective detection of UO22+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ in nuclear wastewater

Currently, antibiotics and heavy metal contaminants have posed a great threat for ecological security and human health. Herein, the lanthanide functionalized ZIF (named ZIF-90-PABA-Eu) is constructed by coordinating with Eu³⁺ via p-aminobenzoic acid intermediate. Due to the excellent fluorescence properties, the novel fluorescent probe can selectively monitor flumequine based on "turn on" mode. Furthermore, the obtained new material (named ZIF-90-PABA-Eu-Flu) can be used as "turn off" sensor for selective detection of both radioactive and nonradioactive heavy metal ions (UO₂²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺) which are the main component of nuclear industrial wastewater. ZIF-90-PABA-Eu-Flu shows ultra-short fluorescence response time (3 s) and ultra-low limit of detection (9.0 × 10^-3, 1.3 × 10^-2 and 6.1 × 10^-4 ppm) for three metal ions, which may be attributed to its good affinity with UO₂²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to distinguish the three metal ions. Additionally, the possible sensing mechanism is investigated by the UV-vis spectra, luminescence lifetimes and theoretical calculation analysis. Based on these results, ZIF-90-PABA-Eu possesses promising potential in practical application and provides insight for the design of novel probes to continuously monitor flumequine, radioactive and nonradioactive heavy metal ions.

Detection of different chemical moieties in aqueous media by luminescent Europium as sensor

Detection of different chemical moieties especially trace metals is important for humans as well as water safety. In this review, different detectors synthesized by the combination of different ligands with luminescent europium complexes were discussed for the separation of metals and chemical moieties in aqueous media. These detectors displayed high sensitivity and selectivity. The limit-of-detection values were very low indicating that these detectors are best suitable for the sensing of chemical moieties and trace metals. These detectors’ luminescent changes could be noticed with the naked eye.

Ionic metal-organic frameworks (iMOFs): progress and prospects as ionic functional materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been a research hotspot for the last two decades, witnessing an extraordinary upsurge across various domains in materials chemistry. Ionic MOFs (both anionic and cationic MOFs) have emerged as next-generation ionic functional materials and are an important subclass of MOFs owing to their ability to generate strong electrostatic interactions between their charged framework and guest molecules. Furthermore, the presence of extra-framework counter-ions in their confined nanospaces can serve as additional functionality in these materials, which endows them a significant advantage in specific host-guest interactions and ion-exchange-based applications. In the present review, we summarize the progress and future prospects of iMOFs both in terms of fundamental developments and potential applications. Furthermore, the design principles of ionic MOFs and their state-of-the-art ion exchange performances are discussed in detail and the future perspectives of these promising ionic materials are proposed.

Functionalized Zirconium Organic Frameworks as Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Tetracyclines in Water and Pork

The overuse of tetracyclines (TCs) in livestock breeding may cause a series of health and environmental problems. It is necessary to develop more accurate, convenient, and rapid sensing methods toward TCs, but it is still very challenging. In this work, three isostructural zirconium organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been investigated as probes for the fluorescent sensing of TCs in water. By varying the functional group at the central benzene core, their sensing performances toward TCs can be modified. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection can be as low as 0.08 nM in a wide detection range of 0-147 μM with high sensitivity and selectivity. These Zr-MOFs can also be applied in the detection of TCs in real pork samples with satisfying reliabilities and correctness. This work provides a new method for the design and optimization of fluorescent sensors toward TCs.

Precise Design and Deliberate Tuning of Turn-On Fluorescence in Tetraphenylpyrazine-Based Metal−Organic Frameworks

The manipulation on turn-on fluorescence in solid state materials attracts increasing interests owing to their widespread applications. Herein we report how the nonradiative pathways of tetraphenylpyrazine (TPP) units in metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) systems could be hindered through a topological design approach. Two MOFs single crystals of different topology were constructed via the solvothermal reaction of a TPP-based 4,4′,4^″,4^‴-(pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetrayl) tetrabenzoic acid (H₄TCPP) ligand and metal cations, and their mechanisms of formation have been explored. Compared with the innate low-frequency vibrational modes of flu net Tb-TCPP-1, such as phenyl ring torsions and pyrazine twists, Tb-TCPP-2 adopts a shp net, so the dihedral angle of pyrazine ring and phenyl arms is larger, and the center pyrazine ring in TPP unit is coplanar, which hinders the radiationless decay of TPP moieties in Tb-TCPP-2. Thereby Tb-TCPP-2 exhibits a larger blue-shifted fluorescence and a higher fluorescence quantum yield than Tb-TCPP-1, which is consistent with the reduced nonradiative pathways. Furthermore, Density functional theory (DFT) studies also confirmed aforementioned tunable turn-on fluorescence mechanism. Our work constructed TPP-type MOFs based on a deliberately topological design approach, and the precise design of turn-on fluorescence holds promise as a strategy for controlling nonradiative pathways.

Synthesis of cellulose II-based spherical nanoparticle microcluster adsorbent for removal of toxic hexavalent chromium

Since natural cellulose is mostly cellulose I and has a fibrous form, most cellulose-based adsorbents are fibrous/rod-shaped and exhibit the cellulose I crystal structure. This study reports a cellulose II-based spherical nanoparticle microcluster adsorbent (SNMA), synthesized from biomass by a bottom-up approach, for removing toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The basic structure of SNMA was investigated. Notably, the prepared adsorbent was a microcluster composed of spherical nanoparticles, while exhibiting cellulose II crystal structure, resulting in higher thermal stability and significantly enhanced adsorption performance. The adsorption process and mechanism of SNMA on Cr(VI) were studied in detail. The SNMA achieved a high adsorption capacity (225.94 mg/g) and receptor site density. The SNMA is expected to be used as a bio-based spherical nanoparticle microcluster adsorbent platform for the adsorption of different toxic substances by changing the surface functional groups of its components, spherical nanoparticles.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Biomarkers in a Color-Switchable Microcavity-Reactor Laser

Early detection and diagnosis are vitally important in reducing the mortality rate of fatal diseases but require highly sensitive detection of biomarkers. Presently, detection methods with the highest sensitivity require in vitro processing, while in vivo compatible fluorescence detections require a much higher concentration of biomarkers or limit of detection (LOD). In this paper, a fundamentally new strategy for ultrasensitive detection based on color-switchable lasing with a cavity-enhanced reduction of LOD is demonstrated, down to 1.4 × 10^-16  mg ml^-1 for a quantitative detection, lower than both the fluorescence method and plasmonic enhanced method. For a qualitative or a yes/no type of detection, the LOD is as low as 10^-17  mg ml^-1 . The approach in this work is based on a dye-embedded, in vivo compatible, polystyrene-sphere cavity, penetrable by biomarkers. A polystyrene sphere serves the dual roles of a laser cavity and an in vivo bio-reactor, in which dye molecules react with a biomarker, reporting biomarker information through lasing signals. The cavity-enhanced emission and lasing with only a single biomarker molecule per cavity allow improved visual distinguishability via color changes. Furthermore, when combined with a narrow-band filter, the color-switchable lasers act as an "on-off" logic signal and can be integrated into multiplexing detection assay biochips.

Seven Ln(III) coordination polymers with two kinds of geometric coordination but the same 3D topological property: luminescence sensing and magnetic property

Two series of seven lanthanide metal coordination polymers (Ln-CPs) formulated as {[Ln(dttpa)_1.5(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n [Ln = La³⁺ (1), Ce³⁺ (2), Nd³⁺ (3), Sm³⁺ (4) and Eu³⁺ (5)] and {[Ln (dttpa)_1.5(H₂O)]·xH₂O}_n [Ln = Tb³⁺ (6) and Er³⁺ (7), x = 0.75] have been successfully constructed using Ln³⁺ ions and 2,5-di(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)terephthalic acid (H₂dttpa) via a hydrothermal method. Their 3D structures are fully characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray single-crystal analyses, powder diffraction analyses (PXRD), elemental analyses (EAs) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs). All Ln-CPs display the same topological property with the point symbol of {4²·8⁴}{4⁴·6²}₂{4⁹·6⁶}₂, and crystallize in the triclinic space group P1̄. Interestingly, Eu-CP (5) effectively sensitizes the visible emission of Tb³⁺ and shows high selectivity and stable response with the lowest detection limit of 9.88 nM. Furthermore, Tb-CP (6) acts as a good luminescence sensor to detect nitrobenzene (NB) with a detection limit of 12.5 nM. In addition, the magnetic susceptibility measurement for Er-CP (7) further shows that compounds constructed by dttpa^2- are a kind of promising functional material.

Development of Cationic Benzimidazole-Containing UiO-66 through Step-by-Step Linker Modification to Enhance the Initial Sorption Rate and Sorption Capacities for Heavy Metal Oxo-Anions

Effective and rapid capture of heavy metal oxo-anions from wastewater is a fascinating research topic, but it remains a great challenge. Herein, benzimidazole and -CH₃ groups were integrated into UiO-66 in succession via a step-by-step linker modification strategy that was performed by presynthesis modification (to give Bim-UiO-66) and subsequently by postsynthetic ionization (to give Bim-UiO-66-Me). The UiO-66s (UiO-66, Bim-UiO-66, and Bim-UiO-66-Me) were applied in the removal of heavy metal oxo-anions from water. The two benzimidazole derivatives (Bim-UiO-66 and Bim-UiO-66-Me) showed much better performance than UiO-66, as both the initial sorption rate and sorption capacities decreased in the order Bim-UiO-66-Me > Bim-UiO-66 > UiO-66. The maximum performances of Bim-UiO-66 are 5.1 and 1.7 times those of UiO-66. Remarkably, Bim-UiO-66-Me shows 7.5 and 3.0 times better performance than UiO-66. The higher absorptivity of cationic Bim-UiO-66-Me compared with UiO-66 can be attributed to a strong Coulombic interaction as well as an anion-π interaction and hydrogen bonding between the benzimidazolium functional group and heavy metal oxo-anions. The as-synthesized Bim-UiO-66-Me not only provides a promising candidate for application in removal of heavy metal oxo-anions in wastewater treatment but also opens up a new strategy for the design of high-performance adsorbents.

Wireless Volatile Organic Compound Detection for Restricted Internet of Things Environments Based on Cataluminescence Sensors

Cataluminescence-based sensors do not require external light sources and complex circuitry, which enables them to avoid light scattering with high sensitivity, selectivity, and widely linear range. In this study, a wireless sensor system based on hierarchical CuO microspheres assembled from nano-sheets was constructed for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) online detection. Through sensor characteristics and data process analysis, the results showed that the luminous sensor system has good luminous characteristics, including the intensity of visible light, high signal/noise (S/N) values, and very short response and recovery times. Different VOC concentration values can be detected on multiple wavelength channels and different Cataluminescence signal spectra separations can process multiple sets of Cataluminescence data combinations concurrently. This study also briefly studied the mechanism action of the Cataluminescence sensor, which can specifically be used for VOC detecting.

Detection and Sorption of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Media by a Fluorescent Zr(IV) Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized with 2-Picolylamine Receptor Groups

Increasing global environmental pollution due to heavy metal ions raises the importance of research on new multifunctional materials for simultaneous detection and removal of these contaminants from water resources. In this study, we report a microporous 8-connected Zr⁴⁺ metal-organic framework (MOF) based on a terephthalate ligand decorated with a chelating 2-picolylamine side group (dMOR-2), which shows highly efficient fluorescence sensing and sorption of heavy metal cations. We demonstrate by detailed fluorescence studies the ability of a water-dispersible composite of dMOR-2 with polyvinylpyrrolidone for real-time detection of Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ in aqueous media. The limits of detection were found to be below 2 ppb for these species, while the system's performance is not affected by the presence of other potentially competitive ions. In addition, sorption studies showed that a composite of dMOR-2 with calcium alginate (dMOR-2@CaA) is an excellent sorbent for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions with capacities of 376 ± 15 and 117 ± 4 mg per gram of dMOR-2@CaA, respectively, while displaying the capability for simultaneous removal of various heavy metal ions in low initial concentrations and in the presence of large excesses of other cationic species. Structural and spectroscopic studies with model ligands analogous to our material's receptor unit showed chelation to the 2-picolylamine moiety to be the main binding mode of metal ions to dMOR-2. Overall, dMOR-2 is shown to represent a rare example of a MOF, which combines sensitive fluorescence detection and high sorption capacity for heavy metal ions.

Cationic Metal–Organic Framework-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Fast Sensing and Removal of Cr2O72− Within Water

Considering that metal–organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) can overcome the drawbacks of intrinsic fragility and poor processability of pure-MOF membranes, we designed MOF-based MMMs for efficient removal and fast fluorescence sensing of heavily toxic ions within water systems simultaneously. In this work, a series of MOF-based MMMs are prepared by mixing a hydrolytically stable cationic [Eu₇ (mtb)₅(H₂O)₁₆]·NO₃ 8DMA·18H₂O (denoted as Eu-mtb) MOF material into poly (vinylidene fluoride) with high loadings up to 70%. The free volume at the interface between the polymer and Eu-mtb particles, combined with the permanent porosity and uniform distribution of Eu-mtb particles, enables these MMMs to show fast enrichment of Cr₂O₇^2- from solutions and consequently have a full contact between the analyte and MOFs. The developed Eu-mtb MMM (70wt% loading) thus shows both efficient removal and exceptional fluorescence sensing of Cr₂O₇^2- in aqueous media. The overall adsorption capacity of the Eu-mtb MMM (70 wt% loading) for Cr₂O₇^2- reaches up to 33.34 mg/g, which is 3.4 times that of powder-form Eu-mtb. The detection limit of the Eu-mtb MMM (70 wt% loading) for Cr₂O₇^2- is around 5.73 nM, which is lower than that of the reported powder-form Eu-mtb. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to develop flexible luminescent MOF-based MMMs as a significant platform for efficient removal and sensitive sensing of pollutants from water systems simultaneously.

Synthesis of a Lanthanide Metal-Organic Framework and Its Fluorescent Detection for Phosphate Group-Based Molecules Such as Adenosine Triphosphate

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an important kind of metabolized biological molecule that is formed in organisms, especially in mitochondria, is used universally as energy, and is one of the most significant multifunctional biological molecules. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used in many applications such as gas storage and separation, drug delivery, heterogeneous catalysis, chemical sensors, etc. Remarkably, lanthanide MOFs (Ln-MOFs), which display large pores, multiple dimensions, and unique lanthanide luminescence properties, are widely used as chemical sensors. A novel three-dimensional probe, Eu2(sbdc)3(H2O)3 (Eu-sbdc), was successfully self-assembled with Eu(NO3)3·6H2O and 5,5-dioxo-5H-dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-3,7-dicarboxylic acid (H2sbdc). The Ln-MOF Eu-sbdc can quickly and effectively optically detect ATP via a luminescent quenching mechanism. The Ksv value of Eu-sbdc is 1.02 × 104 M-1, and the lower detection limit of Eu-sbdc for ATP is 20 μM, which is more sensitive to ATP. Its mechanism of monitoring ATP might be a dynamic or static quenching process. Eu-sbdc could effectively and quickly recognize ATP with high sensitivity.

Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Sensors for Food Safety

Food contains a variety of poisonous and harmful substances that have an impact on human health. Therefore, food safety is a worldwide public concern. Food detection approaches must ensure the safety of food at every step of the food supply chain by monitoring and evaluating all hazards from every single step of food production. Therefore, early detection and determination of trace-level contaminants in food are one of the most crucial measures for ensuring food safety and safeguarding consumers’ health. In recent years, various methods have been introduced for food safety analysis, including classical methods and biomolecules-based sensing methods. However, most of these methods are laboratory-dependent, time-consuming, costly, and require well-trained technicians. To overcome such problems, developing rapid, simple, accurate, low-cost, and portable food sensing techniques is essential. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a type of porous materials that present high porosity, abundant functional groups, and tunable physical and chemical properties, demonstrates promise in large-number applications. In this regard, MOF-based sensing techniques provide a novel approach in rapid and efficient sensing of pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals, food illegal additives, toxins, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), veterinary drugs, and pesticide residues. This review focused on the rapid screening of MOF-based sensors for food safety analysis. Challenges and future perspectives of MOF-based sensors were discussed. MOF-based sensing techniques would be useful tools for food safety evaluation owing to their portability, affordability, reliability, sensibility, and stability. The present review focused on research published up to 7 years ago. We believe that this work will help readers understand the effects of food hazard exposure, the effects on humans, and the use of MOFs in the detection and sensing of food hazards.

Crystal Packing-Driven Selective Hg(II) Ion Sensing Using Thiazolothiazole-Based Water-Stable Zinc Metal-Organic Framework

A soft acid-soft base interaction is highly predictable. However, we demonstrate how the crystal packing of the newly synthesized zinc framework [Zn₂(5-AIA)₂(DPTTZ)]·DMF (where 5-AIA = 5-aminoisophthalic acid, DPTTZ = N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)thiazolo-[5,4-d]thiazole, DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide) directs an unexpected interaction between the soft acid Hg(II) and the hard base oxygen instead of having a soft center like nitrogen and sulfur in the system attributed to a strong solvent interaction and a favorable ionic radius of Hg(II) ion for oxygen chelation. This engenders selective Hg(II) ion sensing through a "turn-off" emission quenching in water (limit of detection = (2.174 ± 0.06) × 10^-9 M) along with natural water resources and in a broad pH range. A quantum-chemical calculation elucidates the turn-off quenching mechanism and favorable Hg(II) interaction with encompassed oxygen atoms inside the framework.

A Water-Stable 2-Fold Interpenetrating cds Net as a Bifunctional Fluorescence-Responsive Sensor for Selective Detection of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) Ions

Reactions of ZnSO₄∙7H₂O, N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,8-naphthalimide (NI-mbpy-34), and 5-bromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (Br-1,3-H₂bdc) afforded a luminescent coordination polymer, [Zn(Br-1,3-bdc)(NI-mbpy-34)]_n (1), under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that 1 features a three-dimensional (3-D) 2-fold interpenetrating cds (or CdSO₄) net topology with the point symbol of (6⁵·8), where the Zn(II) centers are considered as 4-connected square-planar nodes. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) patterns and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis confirmed that 1 shows high chemical and thermal stabilities. Notably, 1 displayed solvent dependent photoluminescence properties; the fluorescence intensity and emission maximum of 1 in different solvent suspensions varied when a solvent was changed. Furthermore, the H₂O suspension of 1 exhibited blue fluorescence emission and thus can be treated as a selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for turn-on detection of Cr³⁺ cations through absorbance caused enhancement (ACE) mechanism and turn-off detection of Cr₂O₇²⁻/CrO₄²⁻ anions through collaboration of the absorption competition and energy transfer process, with limit of detection (LOD) as low as μM scale.

Cationic metal-organic frameworks constructed from a trigonal imidazole-containing ligand for the removal of Cr2O72- in water

Recently, cationic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn considerable attention in the treatment of wastewater containing toxic anions via anion exchange due to the presence of exchangeable anions in their pores....

Two mesoporous anionic metal-organic frameworks for selective and efficient adsorption of a cationic organic dye

Anionic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are beginning to have a great impact in the field of absorption and separation of ionic organic molecules due to the enhanced electrostatic interactions between their anionic frameworks and counter-ionic guests. Herein, the rational design and synthesis of two mesoporous anionic MOFs, [Zn₃(ITTC)₃](Me₂ NH₂)₃·3DMF·H₂O (1) and [Cd₂(ITTC)₃](Me₂NH₂)₅·2DMF (2), where H₃ITTC = 4,4',4''-(1H-imidazole-2,4,5-triyl) tribenzoic acid, is reported. Structural analysis revealed that both materials are anionic MOFs with a 2-fold interpenetrating three dimensional (3D) framework. The cross sectional area of the open one-dimensional rectangular channels is 31.7 Å × 15.6 Å for 1, of which the architecture is indicative of an unprecedented (3,3,4,5)-connection topology. For 2, the diameter of the open one-dimensional regular hexagonal channel is about 34.1 Å, decorated with uncoordinated carboxyl O atoms, and the framework exhibits a (3,4)-connected fcu network. Due to their anionic frameworks and bulky pore window sizes, both MOFs can be employed for absorbing and separating the cationic organic dye methylene blue (MB). The results reveal that both MOFs have better dye adsorption selectivity for MB, than for MO and SDI, because of charge and size-matching effects, enabling them to be potential candidates for use in environmental cleaning. By comparison, 2 presents superior selectivity and adsorptivity for cationic MB which depends on the presence of a basic functionalized pore surface.

Multifunctional Zr-MOF Based on Bisimidazole Tetracarboxylic Acid for pH Sensing and Photoreduction of Cr(VI)

Herein, a new luminescent zirconium MOF [Zr-BBI, BBI = 4,4',4″,4‴-(1,4-phenylenebis(1H-imidazole-2,4,5-triyl))tetrabenzoic acid] was successfully constructed by a rationally designed functionalized bisimidazole tetracarboxylic acid ligand. Zr-BBI consists of eight-connected Zr₆ clusters and four-connected BBI ligands. The high connection mode must be responsible for the high stabilities of Zr-BBI in both acidic and basic systems. Apart from the high stability, the inherent bisimidazole units endow Zr-BBI with the traits of intense fluorescent emission as well as the protonation/deprotonation behavior. Therefore, Zr-BBI could display a highly sensitive fluorescence response along with the varying pH values in the aqueous solutions and act as a pH sensing scaffold, especially in the pH value range from 4.6 to 7.12. Zr-BBI also shows good fluorescence detection performance toward Cr₂O₇^2- at a low concentration with a high K_SV value up to 6.49 × 10⁴ M^-1. Moreover, by the utilization of Zr-BBI as a catalyst, Cr(VI) could be effectively photoreduced to Cr(III) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, in which the introduction of a hole scavenger (benzyl alcohol) could further significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. Compared to that of the recently representative MOFs, the k value of the photocatalytic reaction over Zr-BBI is as high as 0.073 min^-1. With the consideration of the presented results, Zr-BBI can serve as a multifunctional platform for efficiently sensing and photoreducing Cr₂O₇^2- in an aqueous system, which fully illustrates the feasibility that introducing specific functional groups in the framework of MOFs would enhance the related photocatalytic activity.

An europium(III) metal-organic framework as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of 4-nitrophenol and I- and Fe3+ ions in water

A luminescence sensor based on an europium(III)-based lanthanide-organic framework, [Eu(BCB)(DMF)]·(DMF)_1.5(H₂O)₂ (1), was synthesized via a solvothermal method using 4,4',4''-benzenetricarbonyltribenzoic acid (H₃BCB) as a bridging ligand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicates that Eu centers are eight-coordinated with a trigonal dodecahedron and a square antiprismatic configuration, and adjacent Eu atoms are bridged by BCB organic linkers to form a 3D rod-packing structure. Photoluminescence studies show that compound 1 emits bright red luminescence and behaves as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and I^- and Fe³⁺ ions in water with high sensitivity, selectivity and low detection limits. Furthermore, the possible luminescence sensing mechanisms were also investigated by PXRD analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The recognition mechanism for 4-NP and I^- ions can be attributed to the competition absorption and that for Fe³⁺ ions is considered to be a multi-quenching mechanism dominated by competition absorption. This study demonstrates that the lanthanide-based MOF might be a promising candidate for the detection of 4-NP and I^- and Fe³⁺ ions in aqueous medium.

Preparation of Eu0.075Tb0.925-Metal Organic Framework as a Fluorescent Probe and Application in the Detection of Fe3+ and Cr2O72

Luminescent Ln-MOFs (Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF) were successfully synthesised through the solvothermal reaction of Tb(NO3)3·6H2O, Eu(NO3)3·6H2O, and the ligand pyromellitic acid. The product was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG analysis, EM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and luminescence properties, and results show that the synthesised material Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF has a selective ratio-based fluorescence response to Fe3+ or Cr2O72-. On the basis of the internal filtering effect, the fluorescence detection experiment shows that as the concentration of Fe3+ or Cr2O72- increases, the intensity of the characteristic emission peak at 544 nm of Tb3+ decreases, and the intensity of the characteristic emission peak at 653 nm of Eu3+ increases in Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF. The fluorescence intensity ratio (I653/I544) has a good linear relationship with the target concentration. The detection linear range for Fe3+ or Cr2O72- is 10-100 μM/L, and the detection limits are 2.71 × 10-7 and 8.72 × 10-7 M, respectively. Compared with the sensor material with a single fluorescence emission, the synthesised material has a higher anti-interference ability. The synthesised Eu0.075Tb0.925-MOF can be used as a highly selective and recyclable sensing material for Fe3+ or Cr2O72-. This material should be an excellent candidate for multifunctional sensors.

Screening and Discrimination of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous Solution Using a Luminescent Metal-Organic Framework Sensor Array

The extensive production and large-scale use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised their presence in aquatic environments worldwide. Thus, the facile and reliable screening of PFASs in aqueous systems is of great significance. Herein, we designed a novel fluorescent sensor array for the rapid screening and discrimination of multiple PFASs in water. The sensor array comprised three highly stable zirconium porphyrinic luminescent metal-organic frameworks (i.e., PCNs) with different topological structures. The sensing mechanism was based on the static fluorescence quenching of PCNs by PFASs upon their adsorptive interactions. The fluorescence response patterns were characteristic for each PFAS because of their different adsorption affinities toward different PCNs. Through the interpretation of response patterns by statistical methods, the proposed PCN array successfully discriminated six different kinds of PFASs, each PFAS at different concentrations and PFAS mixtures at different molar ratios. The practicability of this array was further verified by effectively discriminating PFASs in two real water samples. Remarkably, the PCN sensors exhibited a very short response time toward PFASs (within 10 s) due to the ordered pore structure allowing fast PFAS diffusion. This study not only provides a facile method for rapid PFAS screening in waters but also broadens the application of luminescent metal-organic frameworks and array techniques in sensing fields.

Multicolour lanthanide(III) porous 1D coordination polymers: tunable wide spectrum emission and efficient CuII sensing

Five isostructural 1D porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with a general formula of {[M(L)(DMF)(H₂O)]·1.5H₂O}_n [M = Tb^III (1), Eu^III (2), Yb^III (3), Nd^III (4) and Er^III (5)] have been synthesized using a flexible tripodal organic linker (L) and characterized. Tb^III (1) and Eu^III (2) PCPs exhibit metal-based green and red emission, respectively, whereas Yb^III (3), Nd^III (4) and Er^III (5) PCPs show near-infrared (NIR) emission. Doping Eu^III in 1 in a precisely controlled stoichiometric amount leads to different mixed lanthanide PCPs, {[Tb_1-xEu_x(L)(DMF)(H₂O)]·1.5H₂O}_n (1a-1f) that show tunable emission including that of bright white light. The PCPs decorated with Lewis basic -O- binding sites make them potential candidates for the binding and selective sensing of traces of Cu^II ions, and this is illustrated for PCP 2 (limit of detection = 0.69 ± 0.02 ppm). The photoluminescence of 2 can be recovered by the introduction of a chelating ligand ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) without any structural disintegration, indicating the potential of the lanthanide PCPs for future sensing applications.

Recyclable Functionalized Material for Sensitive Detection and Exceptional Sorption of Hexavalent Chromium and Permanganate Ions with Biosensing Applications

Environmental remediation with a single platform for selective sensing and removal of toxic analytes with recyclability of the material has always been a desirable system for sustainability. However, materials comprising all the abovementioned advantages are rarely known for oxoanions. We herein developed a fluorogenic napthalimide-based functionalized mesoporous silica material (SiO₂@NBDBIA) as a signaling and remediation system for oxoanions (CrO₄^2-, Cr₂O₇^2-, and MnO₄^-) from a pool of several anions. The fluorescence quenching of the SiO₂@NBDBIA material in the presence of CrO₄^2-, Cr₂O₇^2-, and MnO₄^- ions gives the limit of detection (LOD) values of 6.23, 25.2, and 20.32 ppb, respectively, which are well below the maximum contaminant level demarcated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The maximum adsorption capacities of the material for the abovementioned oxoanions are found to be 352, 363, and 330 mg/g, respectively, which are well above those mentioned in the literature reports. Contrary to the literature-dominated irreversible ion-exchange mechanism, the reversible hydrogen-bonded binding of the material with the oxoanions leads to the recyclability of the material easily, which is very rare in the literature. The DFT calculations were performed to examine the interactions between the material and oxoanions. For real applications, this material was also used as a fluorescence probe to detect these oxoanions in the actual water samples, and more interestingly, used as a biosensing probe for these oxoanions in the living organism Artemia salina through fluorescence imaging. Thus, the SiO₂@NBDBIA material is a unique example of recyclable material for detecting and remediating oxoanions.

A luminescent cationic MOF for bimodal recognition of chromium and arsenic based oxo-anions in water

Water pollution from heavy metals and their toxic oxo-anionic derivatives such as CrO42-, Cr2O72-, HAsO42-, and HAsO32- has become one of the most critical environmental issues. To address this, herein, we report a new hydrolytically stable luminescent Zn(ii) based cationic metal organic framework (MOF), iMOF-4C, which further successfully exhibited a rare dual "turn off/on" fluorescence response toward Cr(vi), As(v) and As(iii) based oxo-anions respectively in water medium. In addition, iMOF-4C was found to maintain its superior selectivity in the presence of other concurrent anions (e.g. SO42-, Cl-, Br-, ClO4-, NO3-, SCN- and CO32-). More importantly, iMOF-4C exhibited an excellent selective and sensitive luminescence "turn-off" response towards CrO42- and Cr2O72- anions in water medium with the quenching constant (Ksv) values as high as 1.31 × 105 M-1 (CrO42-) and 4.85 × 105 M-1 (Cr2O72-), which are found to be the highest among the values reported in the regime of MOFs. Interestingly, iMOF-4C showed fluorescence "turn-on" response toward HAsO42- and HAsO32- with an enhancement coefficient (Kec) of 1.98 × 104 M-1 and 3.56 × 103 M-1 respectively. The high sensitivity and low detection limits make iMOF-4C more feasible for real-time sensing of such toxic oxo-anions in an aqueous medium. Furthermore, the probable sensing mechanism has been investigated by DFT calculation studies and discussed in detail.

Imidazolium-Functionalized Chemically Robust Ionic Porous Organic Polymers (iPOPs) toward Toxic Oxo-Pollutants Capture from Water

Fabricating new and efficient materials aimed at containment of water contamination, in particular removing toxic heavy metal based oxo-anions (e. g. CrO₄ ^2- , TcO₄ ^- ) holds paramount importance. In this work, we report two new highly stable imidazolium based ionic porous organic polymers (iPOPs) decorated with multiple interaction sites along with electrostatics driven adsorptive removal of such oxo-anions from water. Both the iPOPs (namely, iPOP-3 and iPOP-4) exhibited rapid sieving kinetics and very high saturation uptake capacity for CrO₄ ^2- anions (170 and 141 mg g^-1 for iPOP-3 and iPOP-4 respectively) and ReO₄ ^- (515.5 and 350.3 mg g^-1 for iPOP-3 and iPOP-4 respectively), where ReO₄ ^- anions being the non-radioactive surrogative counterpart of radioactive TcO₄ ^- ions. Noticeably, both iPOPs showed exceptional selectivity towards CrO₄ ^2- and ReO₄ ^- even in presence of several other concurrent anions such as Br^- , Cl^- , SO₄ ^2- , NO₃ ^- etc. The theoretical binding energy calculations via DFT method further confirmed the preferential interaction sites as well as binding energies of both iPOPs towards CrO₄ ^2- and ReO₄ ^- over all other competing anions which corroborates with the experimental high capacity and selectivity of iPOPs toward such oxo-anions.

Coordination networks for the recognition of oxo-anions

Crystalline coordination networks with an infinite extended framework, also known as coordination polymers (CPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have attracted significant attention owing to their tremendous performance in an extensive range of applications. The unique structural features and high stability of coordination networks are responsible for their utilization and potential in diverse fields especially in the area of sensing using luminescent CPs/MOFs. The recognition of toxic oxo-anions present in water is a crucial and first step towards environmental remediation, mainly in the case of water pollution. Accordingly, the utilization of luminescent coordination networks has received significant interest, particularly for the recognition of various toxic oxo-anions, which are considered a threat to aquatic life and the environment. In this frontier article, we summarize recent reports on luminescent CPs/MOFs, their utilization for the sensing of oxo-anions and the chemistry of the interaction of oxo-anions with CPs/MOFs, which is responsible for tuning their optical signals.