Rational Design and Functionalization of a Zinc Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Selective Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol

Synthesis of highly sensitive and multi-response Eu-MOF, fluorescence sensing properties and anti-counterfeiting applications

A new Europium metal-organic framework (Eu-MOF), namely [Eu(dpa) (H2O)]·0.5(bpy)·4H2O}n (H4dpa = 5-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) isophenic acid, bpy = protonated 4,4'-bipyridine) was synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses. Eu-MOF shows a three-dimensional network structure based on EuIII ions and (dpa)4- ligands via µ4: η1, η2, η2, η2 coordination mode. Fluorescence analysis shows that Eu-MOF has excellent fluorescence sensing characteristics, which can efficiently and sensitively detect various pollutants in water: the limit of detection (LOD) of ratiometric fluorescence detection of ANI in water was 42.9 nM, which was better than the single-peak detection limit. In addition, the peak detection limits of Eu-MOF for Flu, ORN and NB were 120 nM, 27 nM and 94 nM, respectively. In addition, XPS, LUMO orbital energy level, fluorescence lifetime, ultraviolet absorption and other principles are used to explore the mechanism of fluorescence quenching. Surprisingly, Eu-MOF not only has excellent anti- counterfeiting ability and stability, can be used as anti-counterfeiting material in life, but also has good selectivity to Flu. Eu-MOF has obvious fluorescence quenching effect on Flu on paper under ultraviolet light, which can be used for rapid in situ imaging test paper of pesticide residues.

Multiple Stimulus Response Material Based on Sr-tcbpe MOF for Mechanochromism, Visualization Labeling, and Etching Toward TNP

The abuse and excessive discharge of organic pollutants such as nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) have become a hot topic of concern for all humanity and society, and the development of fast, effective, and targeted technical means for detecting NACs also faces many challenges. Here, we reported a strontium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) {[Sr2(tcbpe)(H2O)4]}n (Sr-tcbpe), in which tcbpe represents deprotonated 4',4‴,4″‴,4‴‴-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetrakis(([1,1'biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid)). In Sr-tcbpe, Sr-O polyhedron and deprotonated tcbpe4- ligand have a staggered connection to form a self-assembled three-dimensional network structure. In addition, it is found that Sr-tcbpe undergoes no luminescent color change when grinding under solvent protection, while mechanochromic fluorescence behavior is observed when grinding directly, leading to luminescent color changes from cyan to green (Sr-tcbpe-G). Additionally, Sr-tcbpe and Sr-tcbpe-G could selectively detect PNP, DNP, and TNP, and Sr-tcbpe achieves visual fluorescence sensing detection toward TNP at a limit of detection as low as 2.25 μM. Moreover, during the detection process, unexpectedly, TNP exhibits a selective etching effect on Sr-tcbpe, which could drill nano holes with different sizes on the surface area of MOF materials to a certain extent, achieving the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical energy. In addition, the successful preparation of a portable sensor Sr-tcbpe@gypsum block provides a platform for the perfect combination of mechanochromic fluorescence behavior and visualization detection toward TNP. It lays the foundation for the practical application of MOF materials in daily life.

Amino-Functionalized NDI-Based MOFs as Unusual "Turn On" and "Turn Off" Fluorescent Sensors for Phenolic Pollutants with Double Solvent Channel Response and Iodine Adsorbents

Regulating mixed ligands to change the functional properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been an important topic; especially, the structural changes have significant implications for the transformation of sensing response in different solvent channels. Herein, two [Cd (DPNDI) (NH2-BDC)0.5(NO3)]·2.25DMF (1) and [Cd(DPNDI)(NH2-AIPA)]·0.5DMF (2) (DPNDI = N,N-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide, NH2-BDC = 2-amino terephthalic acid, NH2-AIPA = 5-aminoisophthalic acid) were synthesized by the solvothermal method. Structural analysis shows that complex 1 has a two-dimensional planar network structure and complex 2 exhibits a three-dimensional network structure, endowing its potential as an efficient fluorescence sensor for phenolic compound detection under different solvent environments. Both complexes showed high fluorescence quenching sensitivity to phenolics in a water medium. Conversely, complex 1 showed a fluorescence enhancement response to phenolic pollutants in an ethanol system with significantly low detection limits and recyclability. The detection limits were 0.58 μM for TNP, 1.3 μM for DNP, and 2.43 μM for PCP. In addition, the uncoordinated amino groups in the complexes promote them to exhibit excellent iodine adsorption performance. Especially, complex 2 can serve as an adsorbent for iodine in cyclohexane solution with better adsorption efficiency than that of complex 1, and its adsorption capacity can reach 505 mg/g. The mixed ligands regulation strategy of NDI-based MOFs will open up an effective avenue for the conversion of fluorescence signals in dual-solvent channels and play simultaneously important roles in multiple applications.

Luminescence Nanothermometry: Investigating Thermal Memory in UiO-66-NH2 Nanocrystals

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a diverse and rapidly expanding class of crystalline materials, present many opportunities for various applications. Within this class, the amino-functionalized Zr-MOF, namely, UiO-66-NH2, stands out due to its distinctive chemical and physical properties. In this study, we report on the new unique property where UiO-66-NH2 nanocrystals exhibited enhanced fluorescence upon heating, which was persistently maintained postcooling. To unravel the mechanism, the changes in the fluorescence signal were monitored by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, lifetime measurements, and a fluorescence microscope, which revealed that upon heating, multiple mechanisms could be contributing to the observed enhancement; the MOFs can undergo disaggregation, resulting in a fluorescent enhancement of the colloidally stable MOF nanocrystals and/or surface-induced phenomena that result in further fluorescence enhancement. This observed temperature-dependent photophysical behavior has substantial applications. It not only provides pathways for innovations in thermally modulated photonic applications but also underscores the need for a better understanding of the interactions between MOF crystals and their environments.

Recent trends in wastewater treatment by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites: A critical view-point

Respecting the basic need of clean and safe water on earth for every individual, it is necessary to take auspicious steps for waste-water treatment. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as promising material because of their intrinsic features including the porosity and high surface area. Further, structural tunability of MOFs by following the principles of reticular chemistry, the MOFs can be functionalized for the high adsorption performance as well as adsorptive removal of target materials. However, there are still some major concerns associated with MOFs limiting their commercialization as promising adsorbents for waste-water treatment. The cost, toxicity and regenerability are the major issues to be addressed for MOFs to get insightful results. In this article, we have concise the current strategies to enhance the adsorption capacity of MOFs during the water-treatment for the removal of toxic dyes, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. Further, we have also discussed the role of metallic nodes, linkers and associated functional groups for effective removal of toxic water pollutants. In addition to conformist overview, we have critically analyzed the MOFs as adsorbents in terms of toxicity, cost and regenerability. These factors are utmost important to address before commercialization of MOFs as adsorbents for water-treatment. Finally, some future perspectives are discussed to give directions for potential research.

Novel dual-emission fluorescence imprinted sensor based on Mg, N-CDs and metal-organic frameworks for rapid and smart detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol

Rapid and real-time detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (TNP) is of great importance for the living environment and human health. Herein, we constructed an innovative ratiometric fluorescence imprinted sensor with fast response and high selectivity based on magnesium and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Mg, N-CDs) and chromium telluride quantum dots (r-CdTe) self-assembled in zirconium-based metal organic frameworks (UiO-66) combined with imprinted polymers for the detection of TNP. In the protocol, the introduction of UiO-66 with large specific surface area and porosity using as carrier material significantly enhanced the mass transfer rate, which improved the sensitivity of the Mg, N-CDs/r-CdTe@UiO-66@MIP (LHU@MIP). And the Mg, N-CDs with high quantum yields and r-CdTe were selected as fluorescence emitting elements to yield fluorescence signal, achieving signal amplification. The dual-channel strategy enabled the sensor to not only display a fast fluorescence response, but also generate a dual-response signal under the action of internal filtering effect (IFE). Combining these advantages, the LHU@MIP had a wide linear range (1-100 μM), good detection sensitivity (0.56 μM), and a distinct color change (from blue to pink). Meanwhile, for accurate on-site analysis, we designed a portable smart sensing platform with a color recognizer application. The smartphone enabled visual sensing of TNP by capturing fluorescent images and converting them into digital values. More importantly, the platform was successfully utilized for the analysis of TNP in the simulated actual samples with considerable results. Therefore, the developed platform was characterized by low cost, portability, ideal specificity, and provided a strategy for on-site monitoring of TNP.

Smart crystalline framework materials with a triazole carboxylic acid ligand: fluorescence sensing and catalytic reduction of PNP

Triazole polycarboxylic acid ligands are widely employed in the construction of MOFs due to their strong coordination ability and flexible coordination modes. In this work, three novel complexes (Pb(MCTCA)(H2O) (1), Co(HMCTCA)2(H2O)2 (2) and Cu(HMCTCA)2(H2O)2 (3)) based on the H2MCTCA ligand (5-methyl-1-(4-carboxyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid) were successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, respectively. X-ray single crystal structure analysis shows that complex 1 is a 3D network structure, where the central metal Pb(II) is six coordinated to form deformed triangular prism geometry. The complexes 2 and 3 are both 2D layer supramolecular structures connected through intermolecular hydrogen, where the central metals (Co/Cu) are six coordinated to form octahedral configuration geometry. Based on functional properties, it is found that complex 1 exhibits excellent detection ability for small-molecule drugs (azithromycin, colchicine and balsalazide disodium) and actinide cations (Th4+ and UO22+) within a lower concentration range without interference from other components. In particular, the detection limits of three small-molecule drugs are all lower than 0.30 μM. In addition, complexes 2 and 3 exhibited excellent catalytic reduction performance toward p-nitrophenol (PNP), with a reduction efficiency exceeding 98%. These experimental results evidence that complexes 1-3 have potential application prospects in fluorescence sensing and catalytic reduction.

RhB-Embedded Mn-MOF with Cyclotriphosphazene Skeleton as Dual-Emission Sensor for Putrescine as well as Smart Fluorescent Response of Aromatic Diamines and Nitrophenol

Luminescent metal-organic framework composites with multiple luminescence emissions have been efficient sensing platforms. Herein, a fluorescent sensor (RhB@1-0.4) with dual-emission fluorescence properties was prepared by introducing rhodamine B (RhB) into the framework of complex 1, [Mn2.5(HCPCP)(H2O)4]·(CH3CN)0.5 [HCPCP = hexa-(4-carboxyl-phenoxy)-cyclotriphosphazene and CH3CN = acetonitrile), which is a novel crystalline two-dimensional (2D) coordinated organic framework material. It is a highly desirable material, realizing a ratiometric fluorescence response to putrescine with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and the detection limit can be as low as 6.8 μM. In addition, RhB@1-0.4 exhibited a better fluorescent sensing performance for aromatic diamines and nitrophenols compared with that of complex 1. It is a potential functionalized MOF material for the application of multichannel fluorescence sensing.

One-dimensional coordinated polymers of tetraphenylethene pyridine and copper-iodide for fluorescence detection of nitroaromatic explosives

The spatial arrangement of molecules plays a crucial role in determining the macroscopic properties of functional materials. Coordinated polymers (CPs) formed by self-assembly of organic isomeric ligands and metals offer unique performance characteristics. In this study, we present the investigation of a one-dimensional CP, named CIT-E, composed of tetraphenylethene pyridine derivative (TPE-2by-2-E) ligands and copper iodide. The resulting CP exhibits a one-dimensional bead chain structure with exceptional thermal and chemical stability. By leveraging the competitive absorption between CIT-E and the explosive analog 2,4-dinitroaniline, we achieve detection of the explosive through changes in the absorption intensity of the excitation light source and subsequent fluorescence response. The CP demonstrates high selectivity and anti-interference ability in detecting 2,4-dinitroaniline in aqueous solution, with a detection linear range of 0.1 to 300 μM and a detection limit of 0.05 μM, surpassing the national third-level emission standard. These findings highlight the potential of CP CIT-E as a promising material for the detection of explosive nitroaromatic compounds.

Smart Stimulation Response of a Pyrene-Based Lanthanide(III) MOF: Fluorescence Enhancement to HX (F and Cl) or R-COOH and Artificial Applicable Film on HCl Vapor Sensing

Toxic acids produced by industries are major hazards to the environment and human health, and luminescent pyrene-based crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrate promising performance in the detection of toxic acids. Herein, two novel isostructural 3D porous lanthanide MOFs, H3O·[Ln3(TBAPy)2(μ2-H2O)2(OH)2]·2DMA·2Diox·6.5H2O (Ln = Pr (1) and Ce (2); H4TBAPy (1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoic acid)pyrene); and DMA: N,N-dimethylacetamide) were synthesized, which showed alb topology. Based on the protonation and hydrogen bond mechanism, complex 1 could be used as a fluorescence recognition sensor for HX (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) acid solutions with different luminescence behaviors. It is worth noting that complex 1 exhibited high sensitivity in the fluorescence enhancement sensing of hydrofluoric acid, oxalic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. In particular, complex 1 had a low limit of detection (LOD) for OA (0.1 μM) and was applied to real monitoring of orange fruit samples. In addition, the PVA@1 film could selectively, sensitively, and quantitatively respond to hydrochloric acid (HCl) vapor through fluorescent quenching; due to its protonation and adsorption capacity, the LOD was 0.18 ppm. Therefore, the portable optical device, the PVA@1 film, can detect HCl gas in trace amounts, achieving the ultimate goal of real-time and rapid detection, which has potential application value for industrial production safety.

Synthesis and Fluorescence Sensing for Nitro Explosives and Pesticides of Two Cd-Coordination Polymers

Two cadmium coordination polymers (CPs), {[Cd(zgt)(2,2'-bipy)(H2O)]·H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(zgt)(BPP)(H2O)]·H2O}n (2) (H2zgt = 5-methoxyresorcinic acid, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, and BPP = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The structures of CPs 1-2 were characterized by IR, TGA, X-ray powder diffraction, and elemental analysis. The single-crystal structure analysis shows that CP 1 is a typical 1D chain structure and CP 2 belongs to a 2D layered structure. Based on the excellent luminescence properties of CP 1 and 2, fluorescence sensing experiments were carried out for explosives and pesticides. The results of the explosion sensing experiment showed that CP 1 and 2 had an excellent fluorescence quenching effect on PNBA (p-nitrobenzoic acid) and TNP (2,4,6-trinitrophenol), respectively, and the detection limits were 3.28 and 11.4 nM, respectively. Interestingly, both CP 1 and 2 showed good fluorescence quenching against the pesticide fluridine (Flu), and CP 1 had a lower detection limit and was more sensitive. In addition, the fluorescence quenching mechanism was discussed in detail by the UV absorption spectrum and density functional theory. In order to explore its practical application, the content of Flu in water samples was detected by a labeling recovery method.

Ratiometric fluorescence detection of artemisinin based on photoluminescent Zn-MOF combined with hemin as catalyst

Artemisinin (ART) is a type of frontline drug to treat drug-resistant falciparum malaria. Simple, accurate and selective determination of ART is significant to monitor its clinical pharmaceutical efficacy. Herein, a new ratiometric fluorescence method has been designed for the determination of ART with Zn-MOF as fluorescence reference and hemin as catalyst, respectively. Zn-MOF possesses intrinsic fluorescence at 443 nm owing to 2-aminoterephthalic acid ligand. When o-phenylenediamine (OPD) is mixed with hemin, a weak fluorescent signal at 570 nm ascribed to oxidized product of OPD (oxOPD) is observed. In the presence of ART, hemin can catalyze ART to break its peroxide bridge and release a large number of reactive oxygen species, which effectively oxidize OPD into luminescent oxOPD. Therefore, the fluorescence at 570 nm is enhanced significantly while the fluorescence of Zn-MOF remains basically unchanged. Thus, a ratiometric fluorescence sensing platform has been constructed for the detection of ART. This method exhibits wider linear range (0.15 μM-150 μM) with detection limit of 50 nM. This novel and selective method has been used to detect ART in compound naphthoquinone phosphate tablets.

A Cerium Organic Framework with {Cu2I2} Cluster and {Cu2I2}n Chain Modules: Structure and Fluorescence Sensing Properties

In this work, a copper iodine module bearing a coordination polymer (CP) with a formula of [(Cu₂I₂)₂Ce₂(INA)₆(DMF)₃]·DMF (1, HINA = isonicotinic acid, DMF = N,N'-dimethyl formamide) is presented. The title compound features a three dimensional (3D) structure, in which the {Cu₂I₂} cluster and {Cu₂I₂}_n chain modules are coordinated by N atoms from a pyridine ring in INA^- ligands, while the Ce³⁺ ions are bridged by the carboxylic groups of INA^- ligands. More importantly, compound 1 exhibits an uncommon red fluorescence (FL) with a single emission band maximized at 650 nm belonging to near infrared (NIR) luminescence. The temperature dependent FL measurement was applied to investigate the FL mechanism. Remarkably, 1 could be used as a FL sensor to cysteine and the nitro-bearing explosive molecule of trinitropheno (TNP) with high sensitivity, demonstrating its potential FL sensing applications for biothiol and explosive molecules.

Multi-emitter metal-organic frameworks as ratiometric luminescent sensors for food contamination and spoilage detection

Food contamination and spoilage is a worldwide concern considering its adverse effect on public health and food security. Real time monitoring food quality can reduce the risk of foodborne disease to consumers. Particularly, the emergence of multi-emitter luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) as ratiometric sensory materials has provided the possibility for food quality and safety detection with high sensitivity and selectivity taking advantage of specific host-guest interactions, pre-concentrating and molecule-sieving effects of MOFs. Furthermore, the excellent sensing performance of multi-emitter MOF-based ratiometric sensors including self-calibration, multi-dimensional recognition and visual signal readout is able to meet the increasing rigor requirement of food safety evaluation. Multi-emitter MOF-based ratiometric sensors have become the focus of food safety detection. This review focuses on design strategies for different multiple emission sources assembly to construct multi-emitter MOFs materials based on at least two emitting centers. The design strategies for creating multi-emitter MOFs can be mainly classified into three categories: (1) multiple emission building blocks assembly in a single MOF phase; (2) single non-luminescent MOF or LMOF phase as a matrix for chromophore guest(s); (3) heterostructured hybrids of LMOF with other luminescent materials. In addition, the sensing signal output modes of multi-emitter MOF-based ratiometric sensors have critically discussed. Next, we highlight the recent progress for the development of multi-emitter MOF as ratiometric sensors in food contamination and spoilage detection. Their future improvement and advancing direction potential for their practical application is finally discussed.

Ratio Fluorescent Detecting of Tryptophan and Its Metabolite 5-Hydroxyindole-3-acetic Acid Relevant with Depression via Tb(III) Modified HOFs Hybrids: Further Designing Recyclable Molecular Logic Gate Connected by Back Propagation Neural Network

Exploring intelligent fluorescent materials with high reliability and precision to diagnose diseases is significant but remains a great challenge. Herein, based on coordination post-synthetic modification, a Tb³⁺ functionalized ME-PA (Tb@1) is prepared, which can emit brilliant green fluorescence through ligand-to-mental charge transfer-assisted energy transfer (LMCT-ET) process from ME-PA to Tb³⁺ ions. Tb@1 can simultaneously distinguish Tryptophan (Try) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), two effective indicators for depression, in ratio and colorimetric mode. And this sensor behaves the advantages of high efficiency and sensitivity, as well as excellent reusability and anti-interference. The PET process from ME to Try and 5-HIAA, and the competitive absorption between analytes and Tb@1 may be relevant to sensing mechanism. In realistic serum or urine environment, the detection limits of Tb@1 for Try and 5-HIAA are 0.0183 and 0.0149 mg L^-1 respectively. Moreover, in conjunction with back propagation neural network (BPNN), two dual-output molecular logic gates that can be calculated circularly are further designed, which realizes intelligent control of the electronic component to identify the existence of two biomarkers and judge their concentrations from fluorescence images. This work offers a novel approach to modulate logic circuits based on ML-assisted HOF fluorescent sensor, with promising application for a precise and pictorial depression diagnosis.

Stimulus-Responsive Lanthanide MOF Materials Encapsulated with Viologen Derivatives: Characterization, Photophysical Properties and Sensing on Nitrophenols

Viologens (1,1'-disubstituted 4,4'-bipyridyls) possessing electron-deficient properties and redox activity are a class of suitable chromophores to assemble metal-organic hybrid photochromic materials. Thus, viologen-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention for their photochromic properties; however, the syntheses of lanthanide-viologen hybrid crystalline photochromic materials still face many challenges. For example, the structures and properties of the final products are difficult to predict and are limited by molecular configurations. In this work, host-guest composite-material Ln-NH₂ BDC-pbpy MOFs were constructed by encapsulating viologen derivative pbpyCl₂ . The pbpy²⁺ moieties are uniformly embed by their π-π conjugation in the pores of the 3D structure by electrostatic interactions. Due to the encapsulation of the chromophore pbpy²⁺ moieties, Ln-NH₂ BDC-pbpy MOFs have reversible photochromic properties: they can change color after irradiation and can return to the original color after being protected from light or heating. Interestingly, the fluorescence intensity decreases with illumination time and recovers in the dark. As a result, Ln-NH₂ BDC-pbpy MOFs show both photochromic and photomodulated fluorescence. Based on the outstanding fluorescence performance of the Ln-NH₂ BDC-pbpy MOFs, they also show a wonderful effect for detecting nitrophenols, especially TNP.

Porous functional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from different N-heterocyclic carboxylic ligands for gas adsorption/separation

This review mainly summarizes the recent progress of MOFs composed of N-heterocyclic carboxylate ligands in gas sorption/separation. This work may help to understand the relationship between the structures of MOFs and gas sorption/separation.

High-Symmetry Co/Ni Triazine Polycarboxylate Diverse Frameworks Constructed by Mx(COO)y Building Blocks: Characterization and Catalytic Performance Evaluation of p-Nitrophenol

Three new triazine compounds [Co_1.5(H₃TDPAT)(H₂O)₃]·6H₂O (1), [Co₂(TCPT)(μ₂-H₂O)₂]·OH (2), and [Ni₃(TCPT)]·3OH (3) were designed and synthesized via the reaction of the symmetrical triazine ligand connected by C-N-C and C-O-C bonds with triazine poly(carboxylic acid)s ligands as the side arms: H₆TDPAT (H₆TDPAT = 2,4,6-tris(3,5-dicarboxylphenylamino)-1,3,5-triazine) and H₃TCPT (H₃TCPT = 2,4,6-tris(4-carboxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine) as well as the corresponding metal salts under the solvothermal condition. Three triazine polycarboxylate frameworks were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and solid fluorescent spectra in detail. The structural analysis results showed that the three-dimensional porous cage framework of compound 1 was constructed by three different polyhedral cages connected with [Co(COO)₄(H₂O)₂] building blocks. One of the compounds, 2, is formed by twin propeller Co₂(μ₂-H₂O)(COO)₃ building blocks connecting two-dimensional layers and the intermolecular π-π interactions involved the triazine rings between the layers. While the structure of compound 3 is similar to that of 2, assembly is by Ni(COO)₃ building blocks and adjacent layers of the face-to-face π-π interaction between the triazine rings. In order to explore functional properties, the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol (PNP) of compounds 1-3 was investigated. They exhibit excellent catalytic activity of more than 95% for reduction of PNP with a dose of 2.5 mg of the compounds.

Carbazole-Equipped Metal-Organic Framework for Stability, Photocatalysis, and Fluorescence Detection

The useful yet underutilized backfolded design is invoked here for functionalizing porous solids with the versatile carbazole function. Specifically, we attach carbazole groups as backfolded side arms onto the backbone of a linear dicarboxyl linker molecule. The bulky carbazole side arms point away from the carboxyl links and do not disrupt the Zr-carboxyl framework formation; namely, the resultant MOF solid ZrL1 features the same net as that of the unfunctionalized dicarboxyl linker, also known as the PCN-111 net or UiO-66 net. The ZrL1 structure features only half linker occupancy (about 6 out of the 12 linkers around the Zr₆O₈ cluster being missing) and partially collapses upon activation (acetone exchange and evacuation). Notably, the stability improves after heating in diphenyl oxide at 260 °C (POP-260 treatment; to form ZrL1-260), as indicated by the higher crystallinity and surface area of the activated ZrL1-260 sample. The ZrL1-260 samples achieve 72% yield in photocatalyzing reductive dehalogenation of phenacyl bromide; ZrL1 can detect nitro-aromatic compounds via fluorescence quenching, with selectivity and sensitivity toward 4-nitroaniline, featuring a limit of detection of 96 ppb.

Stimuli-Responsive Naphthalenediimide Cd-MOFs Tuned by Different Aliphatic Dicarboxylic Acids with Extended Spacers

A series of novel Cd metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (1-9) with different extended spacers with seven kinds of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acids as secondary building linkers based on N,N'-di(4-pyridylacylamino)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide (NDI-A) have been designed and synthesized by changing the volume ratio of solvents under solvothermal conditions. In addition, the secondary building linkers of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids have different spacer lengths, resulting in different structures of complexes 1-9. So, their packing structures are affected by the degree of distortion of the NDI-A ligand, the different aliphatic dicarboxylic acids ligands, and the hydrogen-bonding patterns. Complexes 1-9 showed stimuli-responsive emission tuned by different aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with extended length spacers under UV light irradiation, accompanied by the color change from light orange to dark brown, and achieved reversible photochromic under heating, which indicates that they could serve as secret erasable inks. Moreover, complexes 1-9 exhibited selective vaporchromic behavior to methylamine (MA), and the vaporchromic sample could be recovered after washing with MeOH. It is worth noting that the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-NDI-MOF films enables the photochromic and vaporchromic properties of complexes 1-9 to apply in practice. In addition, complexes 1-9 exhibited good fluorescence properties as sensing probes toward 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) with lower limits of detection. In short, this work provides a broad field to explore the creative NDI-MOF materials with photoactive and luminescent properties.

A Dihydrotetrazine-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework as a Highly Selective Luminescent Host-Guest Sensor for Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol

Pore decoration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with functional groups is a useful strategy to attain high selectivity toward specific analytes, especially in the presence of interfering molecules with similar structures and energy levels, through selective host-guest interactions. In this work, we applied a dihydrotetrazine-decorated MOF, TMU-34, with the formula [Zn(OBA)(H₂DPT)_0.5]_n·DMF, where H₂OBA is 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid) and H₂DPT is 3,6-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, for the highly selective detection of phenolic NACs, especially TNP (94% quenching efficiency, detection limit 8.1 × 10^-6 M, K_SV = 182663 mol L^-1), in the presence of other substituted NACs especially -NH₂-substituted NACs. Investigations reveal that the quenching mechanism is dominated by photoinduced MOF-to-TNP electron transfer through possible hydrogen-bonding interactions between the phenolic hydroxyl group of TNP and dihydrotetrazine functions of TMU-34. Despite extensive publications on the detection of TNP in the presence of other NACs, the significance of this work will be elucidated if attention is paid to the fact that TMU-34 is among the rare and highly selective MOF-based TNP sensors in the presence of -NH₂-substituted NACs as the serious interferers.

Fabrication and application of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol sensors based on fluorescent functional materials

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP) has been widely used for a long time. The adverse effects of TNP on ecological environment and human health have promoted researchers to develop various methods for detecting TNP. Among multifarious technologies utilized for the TNP detection, fluorescence strategy based on different functional materials has become an effective and efficient method attributed to its merits such as preferable sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response speed, simple operation, and lower cost, which is also the focus of review. This review summarizes the development status of fluorescence sensors for TNP in a detailed and systematic way, especially focusing on the research progress since 2015. The sensing properties of fluorescent materials for TNP are the core of this review, including nanomaterials, organic small molecules, emerging supramolecular systems, aggregation induced emission materials and others. Moreover, the development direction and prospect of fluorescence sensing method in the field of TNP detection are introduced and discussed at the end of review.

Supramolecular assemblies of Zn(II) complexes with D-π-A ligand for sensing specific organic molecules

It is attractive but challenging to develop effective fluorescent sensors for detecting specific organic compound. In this study, we designed and synthesized three Zn(II) complexes [Zn(3N3PY)2](NO3)2·3.5CH3OH (1), [Zn(3N3PY)(BIN)]·1.5DMF (2) and...

A hydrostable Zn2+ coordination polymer for multifunctional detection of inorganic and organic contaminants in water

From the perspective of human health and environmental safety, the development of hydrostable fluorescent sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions and nitroaromatics is an important but a challenging issue. To this end, a water-stable Zn²⁺ coordination polymer formulated as {[Zn(H₂L)]·2DMF·3H₂O}_n (ZnCP) was prepared elaborately by a solvothermal method using a multidentate ligand (H₄L) with 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid spaced by para-substituted benzene. Single-crystal analysis shows that the new ZnCP exhibits one-dimensional chain structural features, which further promoted to afford a wrinkled two-dimensional network structure via inter-chain hydrogen bonding. Powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurements show that it can maintain crystallinity and structural integrity under harsh acidic and alkaline conditions with the pH ranging from 4 to 11. Notably, the bright blue-emissive ZnCP showed selective fluorescence quenching effects for Fe³⁺ and picric acid (PA), which makes it an excellent chemical sensor for Fe³⁺ and picric acid (PA) with low detection limits of 0.41 and 0.26 μM in water. The recognition mechanism of Fe³⁺ could be attributed to UV absorption competition and resonance energy transfer in the aid of weak electrostatic interactions, while the recognition mechanism of PA is considered to be a multi-quenching mechanism dominated by absorption competition and PET effects with the assistance of hydrogen bonding. In addition, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped with ZnCP (ZnCP@PMMA) were developed to provide better sensing performance and portability for practical applications.

Multifunctional Zn-Ln (Ln = Eu and Tb) heterometallic metal-organic frameworks with highly efficient I2 capture, dye adsorption, luminescence sensing and white-light emission

A new family of isostructural 3d-4f heterometallic metal-organic frameworks (HMOFs), [Zn₃Eu_xTb_2-x(TZI)₄(DMA)₅(H₂O)₃]·4DMA [x = 0 (1), 0.3 (2), 0.6 (3), 0.9 (4), 1 (5), 1.2 (6), 1.5 (7), 1.8 (8), 2 (9)], has been synthesized using the 5-(4-(tetrazol-5-yl) phenyl)isophthalic acid (H₃TZI) ligand, Ln^III ions and Zn^II ions under solvothermal conditions. All HMOFs exhibit a (3,3,4,5,5)-connected 6³·6³(4²·6²·8²)(4·6⁵·8)(4·6⁶·8³) topology, which features three different types of motifs: one is a mononuclear Zn^II ion and the other two motifs are binuclear [Zn(COO)₃Ln] clusters. The adsorption experiments indicate that Zn₃Tb₂ (1) could efficiently remove almost all I₂ from cyclohexane solution after 12 h and also showed better adsorption towards neutral red (NR) dye (adsorption: only the Zn₃Tb₂ (1) was taken as one representative). Simultaneously, the luminescence sensing showed that Zn₃Tb₂ (1) and Zn₃Eu₂ (9) have excellent response and sensitivity towards pollutants such as Fe³⁺ ions and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) with high selectivity and a fairly low limit of detection through luminescence quenching effect. Moreover, seven trimetallic-doped HMOFs 2-8 analogues of Zn₃Ln₂ (single) HMOFs were designed and prepared, showing different changes of luminescent color. More interestingly, Zn₃Eu_1.5Tb_0.5 (7) with white-light emission was fabricated by doping relative concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions. To the best of our knowledge, Zn₃Eu_1.5Tb_0.5 (7) represents a novel kind of heterometallic Zn₃Ln₂ HMOFs with white-light emission. It could be deduced that the excellent characteristics, namely strong typical luminescence emission of Zn^II and Ln^III ions, microporous channels, active open metal sites (tetra-coordinated Zn^II-metal sites), and uncoordinated carboxylate O atoms and uncoordinated tetrazolate N atoms, made the above HMOFs an ideal platform for adsorption, luminescence sensing, and white-light emission. More significantly, these HMOFs are the first reported Zn-Ln heterometallic materials with the H₃TZI ligand.

A single-crystal to single-crystal transition from a 7-fold interpenetrated coordination polymer to a non-interpenetrated one by photochemical [2 + 2] polymerization and their sensing properties

Two complexes, namely [Zn(bpeb)(sda)] (1) and [Zn(poly-bpeb)(sda)] (2), were synthesized by an organic ligand with an extensively conjugated system, bpeb = 1,4-bis[2-(3-pyridyl) vinyl]-benzene, H₂sda = sulfonyldibenzoic acid and d¹⁰ metal centers Zn²⁺. Structural analysis revealed that compound 1 was nonporous and possessed 7-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) frameworks constructed from one-dimensional (1D) Zn-bpeb and Zn-sda chains. Interestingly, due to the short distance between the vinyl groups from two neighboring bpeb ligands, compound 1 could undergo a photochemical [2 + 2] polymerization reaction to generate 2 in a single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) manner under the irritation of UV. Moreover, the organic polymer in 2 could be depolymerized by heating to realize the reversible transformation from 2 to 1. Furthermore, both compounds 1 and 2 could be used as fluorescent sensors for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) with high selectivity and sensitivity.

A water-stable multi-responsive luminescent Zn-MOF sensor for detecting TNP, NZF and Cr2O72- in aqueous media

The wide prevalence of organic and inorganic pollutants in water from various industries is responsible for serious environmental problems and endangers human beings. Therefore, the search for effective methods to detect these pollutants has gained great importance. In this work, a new luminescent MOF, {[Zn(L)(bpe)_0.5]·DMF}_n (1) [H₂L = 4,4'-((naphthalene-1,4-dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl))dibenzoic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene], was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. In this MOF, Zn-SBUs (SBUs = secondary building units) were connected by acylamide-containing dicarboxylate L^2- and nitrogen-containing bpe molecules to yield a 3D porous framework with isolated DMF molecules in the pores. The activated solvent-free MOF sample (denoted as 1a) with good water-stability was obtained by the solvent-exchange and vacuum heat treatment techniques. The luminescence sensing experiments showed that 1a could sensitively, selectively and reversibly detect 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP), nitrofurazone (NZF) and Cr₂O₇^2- in aqueous media, and the corresponding luminescence quenching mechanism has also been discussed. In addition, MOF 1a could quantitatively detect TNP, NZF and Cr₂O₇^2- in tap water samples, indicating that MOF 1a has the potential to detect the aforesaid pollutants in various environmental water matrices.

A Photoluminescent Cd(II) Coordination Polymer with Potential Active Sites Exhibiting Multiresponsive Fluorescence Sensing for Trace Amounts of NACs and Fe3+ and Al3+ Ions

The elaborately designed π-electron-rich fluorescent ligand 1,4-bis(1-carboxymethylene-4-imidazolyl)benzene (H₂L), possessing bifunctional groups including the carboxylate groups (building units) and 4-imidazoyl groups (N-donor potential active sites) has been employed to construct fluorescent coordination polymers. A luminescent sensor, namely [Cd(L)(phen)₂]·5H₂O (1), was obtained, which has a one-dimensional structure. The fluorescent material shows a blue emission maximum at 457 nm with a luminescence lifetime of 488 ns and a quantum yield (QY) of 4.56%. Significantly, 1 serves as a promising multiresponsive luminescent sensor to detect trace nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) with the limits of detection (LOD) of 7.21 × 10^-8, 1.85 × 10^-5, and 1.15 × 10^-5 mol/L for 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 3-nitrophenol (3-NP), and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), respectively. Furthermore, CP 1 exhibits fluorescent turn-off and turn-on sensing behavior for Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ metal ions with trace amounts of 1.05 × 10^-7 and 1.13 × 10^-7 mol/L, respectively. Experimental methods and theoretical calculations were employed to elucidate the sensing mechanism in detail.

A Eu(III)-based Metal Organic Framework: Selective Sensing of Picric Acid and Nursing Application Values On the Cerebral Edema Induced by Cerebral Hemorrhage Via Reducing the Coagulation Factor II Activity

A new three-dimensional lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF), [Eu₄(L)₄(H₂O)₈]·10H₂O (1, H₃L = biphenyl-3'-nitro-3,4',5-tricarboxylic acid), has been constructed via solvothermal technology and its framework has been detected by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses. Complex 1 with typical emission of Eu³⁺ ion represents dramatic luminescence quenching affect for picric acid (PA) and the linear Stern-Volmer plot was surveyed in the consistence, ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 mM (K_sv = 98,074 M^- 1). Its therapeutic effect of the compound on the cerebral edema caused by cerebral hemorrhage was estimated and the mechanism was explored. Possible binding interactions have been investigated by molecular docking simulations, from which the binding interactions are identified and the carboxyl oxygens are responsible for those identified interactions.