Cellulose-based adsorbents for solid phase extraction and recovery of pharmaceutical residues from water

Cellulose has attracted interest from researchers both in academic and industrial sectors due to its unique structural and physicochemical properties. The ease of surface modification of cellulose by the integration of nanomaterials, magnetic components, metal organic frameworks and polymers has made them a promising adsorbent for solid phase extraction of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceutical residues. This review summarizes, compares, and contrasts different types of cellulose-based adsorbents along with their applications in adsorption, extraction and pre-concentration of pharmaceutical residues in water for subsequent analysis. In addition, a comparison in efficiency of cellulose-based adsorbents and other types of adsorbents that have been used for the extraction of pharmaceuticals in water is presented. From our observation, cellulose-based materials have principally been investigated for the adsorption of pharmaceuticals in water. However, this review aims to shift the focus of researchers to the application of these adsorbents in the effective pre-concentration of pharmaceutical pollutants from water at trace concentrations, for quantification. At the end of the review, the challenges and future perspectives regarding cellulose-based adsorbents are discussed, thus providing an in-depth overview of the current state of the art in cellulose hybrid adsorbents for extraction of pharmaceuticals from water. This is expected to inspire the development of solid phase exraction materials that are efficient, relatively cheap, and prepared in a sustainable way.

Two Schiff base iodide compounds as iodide ion conductors showing high conductivity

Here, we reported the crystal structures, dielectric and conducting properties of two Schiff base iodide compounds [m-BrBz-1-APy]I₃ (1) and [o-FBz-1-APy]I₃ (2). The Schiff base cations build irregular channel frameworks, and the polyiodide anions are located in the channel. The impedance spectra demonstrated that the two compounds show intrinsic iodide ion conductance with higher conductivity of 1.03(4) × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 343 K for 1 and 4.94(3) × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 353 K for 2. The dielectric modulus analysis further confirmed that the conductance contributed to the migration of iodide ions.

The proton conduction behavior of two 1D open-framework metal phosphates with similar crystal structures and different hydrogen bond networks

Two open-framework zinc phosphates [C₃N₂H₁₂][Zn(HPO₄)₂] (1) and [C₆N₄H₂₂]_0.5[Zn(HPO₄)₂] (2) were synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Both compounds have a similar crystal structure and macroscopic morphology. However, the difference in equilibrium cations, in which the propylene diamine is for 1 and the triethylenetetramine is for 2, results in a significant distinction in the dense hydrogen grid. The diprotonated propylene diamine molecule in 1 is more favorable for forming a hydrogen-bond network in three dimensions than in 2, in which the twisted triethylenetetramine forms a hydrogen bond grid with the inorganic framework only in two dimensions owing to its large steric effect. This distinction further leads to a disparity in the proton conductivity of both compounds. The proton conductivity of 1 can reach 1.00 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 under ambient conditions (303 K and 75% RH) and then increase to 1.11 × 10^-2 S cm^-1 at 333 K and 99% RH, which is the highest value among the open-framework metal phosphate proton conductors operated in the same conduction. In contrast, the proton conductivity of 2 is four orders of magnitude smaller than 1 at 303 K and 75% RH and two orders smaller than 1 at 333 K and 99% RH.

Functional groups assisted-photoinduced electron transfer-mediated highly fluorescent metal-organic framework quantum dot composite for selective detection of mercury (II) in water

The presence of toxic mercury (II) in water is an ever-growing problem on earth that has various harmful effect on human health and aquatic living organisms. Therefore, detection of mercury (II) in water is very much crucial and several researches are going on in this topic. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as an effective device for sensing of toxic heavy metal ions in water. The tunable functionalities with large surface area of highly semiconducting MOFs enhance its activity towards fluorescence sensing. In this study, we are reporting one highly selective and sensitive luminescent sensor for the detection of mercury (II) in water. A series of binary MOF composites were synthesized using in-situ solvothermal synthetic technique for fluorescence sensing of Hg²⁺ in water. The well-distributed graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots on porous zirconium-based MOF improve Hg²⁺ sensing activity in water owing to their great electronic and optical properties. The binary MOF composite (2) i.e., the sensor exhibited excellent limit of detection (LOD) value of 2.4 nmol/L for Hg²⁺. The sensor also exhibited excellent performance for mercury (II) detection in real water samples. The characterizations of the synthesized materials were done using various spectroscopic techniques and the fluorescence sensing mechanism was studied.

Samarium-Based Turn-Off Fluorescence Sensor for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Quinolinic Acid in Human Urine and Serum

Quinolinic acid (QA) is an index for some diseases, whose detection is of importance. This work presents a samarium metal-organic framework (Sm-MOF) containing 5-sulfoisophthalate ligand (SIP^3-). The fluorescence of Sm-MOF integrates the emission at 339 nm from the SIP^3- ligand and four characteristic ⁴G_5/2 → ⁴H_j (j = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) transitions at 559, 596, 642, and 701 nm from Sm(III). Sm-MOF as a turn-off fluorescence sensor to QA exhibits high sensitivity, selectivity, and durability. The fluorescence quenching response to QA shows a linear relationship of I₀/I = 0.00496·C_QA + 1.12474 in the QA concentration of 0-500 μM and a limit of detection calculated as 4.11 μM. Sm-MOF shows the structural and fluorescent stabilities in five quenching-recovery cycles. The recoveries of close to 100% in human urine and serum indicate high reliability. The paper-based Sm-MOF sensor displays a rough QA quantitative analysis by recognizing red values in the on-site QA detection.

A Luminescent Cu(II)-MOF with Lewis Basic Schiff Base Sites for the Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Fe3+ Ions and Nitrobenzene

A Schiff base functionalized Cu(II)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) denoted as Cu-L, was developed via a solvothermal method using low-cost starting material, i.e., Schiff base linker, 4,4'-(hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedimethylylidene)dibenzoic acid (L). Good crystallinity and thermal stability of synthesized Cu-L was confirmed by the crystallographic and thermogravimetric studies. An excellent photoluminescent properties of Cu-L ensure their suitability for the ultrafast detection of Fe³⁺ ions and nitrobenzene via a turn-off quenching response. The remarkable sensitivity of Cu-L towards Fe³⁺ ions and nitrobenzene was certified by the low limit of detection (LOD) of 47 ppb and 0.004 ppm, respectively. With incorporated free azine groups, this MOF could selectively capture Fe³⁺ ions and nitrobenzene in aqueous solution. The plausible mechanistic pathway for the quenching in the fluorescence intensity of the Cu-L in the presence of Fe³⁺ ions and nitrobenzene have been explained in detail through the density functional theory calculations, photo-induced electron transfer (PET), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and competitive energy adsorption. This present study open a new avenue to synthesize novel crystalline MOF-based sensing materials from cheap Schiff base linkers for fast sensing of toxic pollutants.

A dual-function Cd-MOF with high proton conduction and excellent fluorescence detection of pyridine

Metal-organic frameworks have great potential in the field of proton conducting materials and fluorescent probes due to their structural tunability and designability. A novel water-stable metal organic framework material [Cd₂(Hdpb)(H₂O)₃] (Cd-MOF) was synthesized based on H₅dpb (H₅dpb = 3,5-diphosphonobenzoic acid) and Cd²⁺ ions. Cd²⁺ ions are connected with phosphonates and carboxyl groups of H₅dpb to form an infinitely extended 1D chain, which is further connected by the Hdpb^4- ligand and coordinated water to form a three-dimensional network structure. There are hydrogen bond networks in the 3D structure of the Cd-MOF, which are favorable for proton transfer, achieving its maximum proton conductivity of 2.97 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 338 K and 98% relative humidity (RH). To realize its application in fuel cells, the Cd-MOF was introduced into the chitosan (CS) matrix, and a series of composite membranes (Cd-MOF@CS-X) with high proton conductivity were obtained. The results of AC impedance show that the proton conductivity of Cd-MOF@CS-5 reaches 3.55 × 10^-1 S cm^-1 at 358 K and 98% RH, which is comparable to the highest values reported for MOF-polymer complexes. Moreover, the Cd-MOF can be used as a selective fluorescent probe for pyridine detection, and its detection limit can reach 1.0 × 10^-6 M. A bifunctional MOF with proton conduction and pyridine recognition is reported for the first time, and has important reference value for the practical application of functional MOFs in both electrochemical and luminescence sensing.

Construction and Sensing Amplification of Raspberry-Shaped MOF@MOF

MOFs@MOFs (metal-organic frameworks, MOFs) possess precise customized functionalities and predesigned structures that enable the implementation of structure and property regulation for specific functions in comparison to traditional single MOFs. However, the synthesis and fluorescence properties of multilayer MOFs@MOFs are still worth improving. Herein, a fluorescent raspberry-shaped MOF@MOF was constructed via optimized seed-mediated synthesis by tuning the reaction time, reaction mode, and reaction concentration, involving the initial synthesis of the UiO-66-NH₂ core and then the coating of the UiO-67-bpy shell. The raspberry-shaped UiO-66@67-bpy showed stable fluorescence and desirable sensing selectivity for the Hg²⁺ ion under the interference of other ions; meanwhile, the raspberry-shaped UiO-66@67-bpy indicated amplified sensing performance than pure UiO-66-NH₂, mechanically mixed UiO-66-NH₂ + UiO-67-bpy, and UiO-66@UiO-67 counterpart due to the accumulation effect of outer UiO-67-bpy toward Hg²⁺. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations including adsorption energy calculations and electronic density difference analysis further showed that the enhanced fluorescence quenching was possibly attributed to the outer UiO-67-bpy enrichment promoting the charge transfer between Hg²⁺ and the ligands of fluorescent UiO-66@67-bpy. The synergistic effect of MOFs@MOFs unlocks more possibilities for the construction of enhanced sensors and other applications.

Multi-functional metal-organic frameworks for detection and removal of water pollutions

Water pollutions have caused serious threats to the aquatic environment and human health, it is of great significance to monitor and control their contents in water. Compared with the traditional...

Porosity regulation of metal-organic frameworks for high proton conductivity by rational ligand design: mono- versus disulfonyl-4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid

Porous crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) bearing sulfonic groups (–SO3H) are receiving increasing attention as solid-state proton-conductors because the –SO3H group can not only enhance the proton concentration but also form...

Anion-controlled Zn(II) coordination polymers with 1-(tetrazo-5-yl)-3-(triazo-1-yl) benzene as an assembling ligand: synthesis, characterization, and efficient detection of tryptophan in water

Tryptophan regulates and participates in various physiological systems in the human body, and its excessive intake has harmful effects. Therefore, detecting and monitoring tryptophan in water and distinguishing it from other amino acids are necessary. In addition to their excellent luminescence, coordination polymer-based sensors have good stability and high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing applications. In this work, two luminescent coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn(ttb)Cl]_n (1) and [Zn₂(ttb)₂(OH)(NO₃)]_n (2), were obtained through the solvothermal reaction of different Zn(II) salts with a rarely studied multidentate N-donor ligand, 1-(tetrazo-5-yl)-3-(triazo-1-yl) benzene (Httb). Crystallographic investigations revealed that the structure of 1 exhibits a 2D fes net with Cl^- anions acting as terminal charge balancers, and that of 2 features a 3D ant net with NO₃^- anions in a rare monodentate bridging (μ₂-O-η¹:η¹) mode. In terms of stability tests, 2 has better thermal and water stability than 1. Although both show good fluorescence performance, specific tryptophan detection, and excellent anti-interference ability, 2 has higher K_SV (111 852.6 M^-1), a lower limit of detection (LOD = 23.6 nM), and a better recovery rate than 1. Cytotoxicity experiments proved that 2 has extremely low toxicity and thus has great potential for in vivo detection. Therefore, CP 2 is a suitable candidate for advanced practical applications for the efficient sensing of tryptophan in water. The luminescence of the ligands was also calculated using DFT theory and further discussed through experiments. The quenching mechanism that occurs after tryptophan addition was explored through Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Chiral Fluorescent Metal-Organic Framework with a Pentanuclear Copper Cluster as an Efficient Luminescent Probe for Dy3+ Ion and Cyano Compounds

Luminescent probes have been used for the detection of various heavy metals and toxic compounds. A novel sensor with excellent sensitivity and selectivity is in high demand. Herein, we designed and synthesized a three-dimensional copper-organic framework of "pcu" α-Po primitive cubic topology with a Schläfli symbol of {4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.*.*.*}. By taking advantage of metal clusters and a triazole ligand as the metal-organic framework (MOF) components, the newly obtained MOF is stable in various environments and can be potentially used as the sensor. Remarkably, this MOF-based sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity toward a dysprosium ion (Dy³⁺) in a multiple-lanthanide mixed solution. Besides, it exhibits luminescent quenching toward various cyano compounds. This chiral cluster-based network provides a potential luminescent probe for various inorganic and organic compounds with high sensitivity and selectivity.

High Proton Conduction in Two Highly Water-Stable Lanthanide Coordination Polymers from a Triazole Multicarboxylate Ligand

Two lanthanide coordination polymers (CPs) {[Er(Hmtbd)(H₂mtbd)(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_n (1) and [Yb(Hmtbd)(H₂mtbd)(H₂O)₃]_n (2) carrying an N-heterocyclic carboxylate ligand 5-(3-methylformate-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-methyl)benzen-1,3-dicarboxylate (H₃mtbd) were prepared under solvothermal conditions. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that 1 and 2 are isostructural and display 1D chain structure. Alternating current (AC) impedance measurements illustrate that the highest proton conductivities of 1 and 2 can attain 5.09 × 10^-3 and 3.09 × 10^-3 S·cm^-1 at 100 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH), respectively. The value of 1 exceeds those of most reported lanthanide-based crystalline materials and ranks second among the described Er-CPs under similar conditions, whereas the value for 2 is the highest proton conductivity among the previous Yb-CPs. Coupled with the structural analyses of the two CPs and H₂O vapor adsorption, the calculated E_a values help to deduce their proton conductive mechanisms. Notably, the N-heterocyclic units (triazole), carboxyl, and hydrogen-bonding network all play key roles in the proton-transfer process. The prominent proton conductive abilities of both CPs show great promise as efficient proton conductors.

Studies on the Genesis and Proton Conductivity of Imidazole-Based Linear and Open-Framework Zinc Phosphites

Three new zinc phosphites, [HIm]₂[Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] (1), [Zn₂(HPO₃)₂Im₂] (2), and [Zn(HPO₃)Im] (3) (Im = imidazole), have been synthesized from the hydro/solvothermal reaction of zinc acetate, dimethyl phosphite, and imidazole by varying the temperature and solvent of the reaction medium. The structure of 1 is built from vertex-sharing of four HPO₃-capped Zn₃P₃ units and adopts an open framework with 12-ring channels stabilized by HIm cations via N-H···O hydrogen bonds. For 2, the inorganic skeleton is comprised of alternating ZnO₄ and HPO₃ tetrahedra, while the coordinatively associated ZnN₂O₂ fragments occupy the 12-ring hexagonal channels. Compound 3 adopts a ladder-type one-dimensional structure and exhibits N-H···O hydrogen-bonding interactions to afford a supramolecular assembly. A plausible rationale on the genesis of 1-3 has been put forth by reacting the preformed inorganic zinc phosphites Zn{OP(O)(OMe)H}₂ or [Zn₂(HPO₃)₂(H₂O)₄]·H₂O with imidazole as the structure-directing ligand. Alternating-current impedance measurements reveal that 1 and 3 exhibit proton conductivities on the order of 10^-3-10^-4 S cm^-1 between 25 and 100 °C under 35 and 77% relative humidity in repeated impedance cycles (E_a = 0.22-0.35 eV). On the contrary, the conduction property is completely impaired in 2 under similar conditions.

Ultrahigh Proton Conduction via Extended Hydrogen-Bonding Network in a Preyssler-Type Polyoxometalate-Based Framework Functionalized with a Lanthanide Ion

The exploration of composition-structure-function relationship in proton-conducting solids remains a challenge in materials chemistry. Polyoxometalate-based compounds have been long considered as candidates for proton conductors; however, their low structural stability and a large decrease in conductivity under reduced relative humidity (RH) have limited their applications. To overcome such limitations, the hybridization of polyoxometalates with proton-conducting polymers has emerged as a promising method. Besides, 4f lanthanide ions possess a high coordination number, which can be utilized to attract water molecules and to build robust frameworks. Herein, a Preyssler-type polyoxometalate functionalized with a 9-coordinate Eu³⁺ (Eu[P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀K]^11-) is newly synthesized and combined with poly(allylamine) with amine moieties as protonation sites. The resulting robust crystalline composite exhibits an ultrahigh proton conductivity >10^-2 S cm^-1 at 368 K and 90% RH, which is still >10^-3 S cm^-1 at 50% RH, due to the strengthened and extended hydrogen-bonding network.

Efficient detection of Fe(iii) and chromate ions in water using two robust lanthanide metal–organic frameworks

Two novel robust Ln-MOFs feature a 3D highly porous pillared-layer framework and demonstrate selective sensing of Fe(iii) and chromate ions in aqueous solution.

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks as chemical sensors based on “mechanism–response”: a review

The comprehensive review systematically summarizes the recent developments in the study of LMOFs as chemical sensors based on “mechanism–response”.

A Stable 3D Zn-Coordination Polymer Sensor Based on Dual Luminescent Ligands for Efficient Detection of Multiple Analytes under Acid or Alkaline Environment

A novel 3D luminescent coordination polymer (LCP) [Zn₄(3-dpyb)₂(odpa)₂(H₂O)₃]·4H₂O (1) (3-dpyb = N,N'-bis (3-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-butane, H₄ odpa = 4, 4'-oxidiphthalic acid) was successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. LCP 1 displays remarkable fluorescent behavior and stability in a wide range of pH values and different pure organic solvents. More importantly, LCP 1 can become an outstanding candidate in the selective sensing of Fe³⁺, Bi³⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, MnO₄^-, nitrobenzene (NB), acetaldehyde (AH), and acetylacetone (Hacac) under a lower detection limit. The change process of fluorescent intensity of these seven analytes in a diverse pH range indicates that LCP 1 can be an excellent luminescent sensor in multiple acid/base solutions. As far as we know, it is an infrequent example of a CP-based multiresponsive fluorescent sensor for metal cations, oxyanions, and toxic organic solvents under an acid or alkaline environment.

Optimizing the Proton Conductivity of Fe-Diphosphonates by Increasing the Relative Number of Protons and Carrier Densities

Proton conductive materials have attracted extensive interest in recent years due to their fascinating applications in sensors, batteries, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, two Fe-diphosphonate chains (H₄-BAPEN)_0.5·[Fe^III(H-HEDP)(HEDP)_0.5(H₂O)] (1) and (H₄-TETA)₂·[Fe^III₂Fe^II(H-HEDP)₂(HEDP)₂(OH)₂]·2H₂O (2) (HEDP = 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate, BAPEN = 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, and TETA = triethylenetetramine) with different templating agents were prepared by hydrothermal reactions. The valence states of the Fe centers were demonstrated by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra at 100 K, with a high-spin Fe^III state for 1 and mixed high-spin Fe^III/Fe^II states for 2. Their magnetic properties were determined, which featured strong antiferromagnetic couplings in the chain. Importantly, the proton conductivity of both compounds at 100% relative humidity was explored at different temperatures, with 2.79 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 80 °C for 1 and 7.55 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 45 °C for 2, respectively. This work provides an opportunity for improving proton conductive properties by increasing the relative number of protons and the carrier density using protonated flexible aliphatic amines.

A dual-functional metal phosphate for high proton conduction and selective luminescence turn-on sensing of Co2+ ions

The {[Zn(H₂PIPZ)](H₂O)}_n (compound 1) detects Co²⁺ ions with turn on fluorescent and proton conductivity of composite membrane 1@PVA10 is ten times higher than compound 1 at 98% RH and 353 K.

Proton conduction in two hydrogen-bonded supramolecular lanthanide complexes

Two hydrogen-bonded supramolecular lanthanide complexes based on imidazole dicarboxylate show different proton conductivities.

Multi-functional lanthanide-CPs based on tricarboxylphenyl terpyridyl ligand as ratiometric luminescent thermometer and highly sensitive ion sensor with turn on/off effect

The binary compound Ln-CP Tb_0.897Eu_0.103tcptpy has been developed as a ratiometric luminescent thermometer. Its relative sensitivity can reach up to 8.41% K⁻¹ in the 305 to 340 K range.

Tunable photoluminescence in flexible carboxylate ligand-based coordination polymers with interesting topologies and Fe3+ sensitivity

Complexes 1–5, showing different interesting topological networks from 1D ladder to 3D frameworks, exhibit selective and sensitive fluorescence quenching of Fe³⁺ ion.

High protonic conduction in two metal–organic frameworks containing high-density carboxylic groups

The proton conductivities of two stable 2D MOFs are much higher than those of most non-porous PC-MOFs and comparable to those of porous PC-MOFs.

Luminescent metal–organic framework-based phosphor for the detection of toxic oxoanions in an aqueous medium

Compound 1 has been utilized for the luminescence based visible detection of chromate, permanganate and phosphate ions in aqueous medium.

From an organic ligand to a metal–organic coordination polymer, and to a metal–organic coordination polymer–cocrystal composite: a continuous promotion of the proton conductivity of crystalline materials

A new strategy was proposed to increase proton conductivities in metal–organic coordination polymers (MOCPs) commencing from organic ligands, i.e. coordination inducement and MOCP–cocrystal composite formation.

A new luminescent anionic metal-organic framework based on heterometallic zinc(II)-barium(II) for selective detection of Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous solution

Over the past two decades, the development of novel inorganic-organic hybrid porous crystalline materials or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using crystal engineering has provoked significant interest due to their potential applications as functional materials. In this context, luminescent MOFs as fluorescence sensors have recently received significant attention for the sensing of ionic species and small molecules. In this work, a new luminescent heterometallic zinc(II)-barium(II)-based anionic metal-organic framework, namely poly[imidazolium [triaqua(μ₆-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylato)bariumtrizinc] tetrahydrate], {(C₃H₄N₂)[BaZn₃(C₉H₃O₆)₃(H₂O)₃]·4H₂O}_n (1), was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized. Compound 1 presents a three-dimensional framework with an unprecedented (3,5)-connected topology of the point symbol (3.9²).(3³.4².5.9³.10), and exhibits `turn-off' luminescence responses for the Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in aqueous solution based on significantly different quenching mechanisms.