Recent progresses in luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) as sensors for the detection of anions and cations in aqueous solution

The discharge of excessive metal ions and anions into water bodies leads to the serious pollution of water and environment, which in turn has a certain impact on industry, agriculture, and human life. Because of the unique advantages of luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs), they have been successfully explored as various fluorescent probes to quickly and effectively detect these pollutants. This perspective not only introduces the design strategy and classification of LMOFs, especially the construction methods of water-stable LMOFs, but also reports the latest progresses in some LMOFs between 2016 and 2020 as well as expounds the mechanisms of LMOFs for detecting anions and cations. Moreover, the luminescence properties of LMOFs are related to the selection of metal ions, the structure of organic ligands, the pore size, and the interaction of guest molecules. Finally, the further development of LMOFs is summarized and prospected in this field.

Two novel lead-based coordination polymers for luminescence sensing of anions, cations and small organic molecules

A novel lead-based compound is reported as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor for detecting anions, cations and small organic molecules, especially Cr₂O₇²⁻, CrO₄²⁻, Fe³⁺ and nitrobenzene.

Different effects in the selective detection of aniline and Fe3+ by lanthanide-based coordination polymers containing multiple reactive sites

Isostructural Ln-CPs (1-Eu and 2-Tb) show almost the same high detection ability for Fe³⁺ and different detection abilities for aniline. The detection difference was studied through PXRD, UV-vis, luminescence lifetimes and Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Cadmium(II) three-dimensional coordination polymers constructed from 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzene: synthesis, crystal structure, fluorescence and I2 sorption characterization

Two three-dimensional (3D) CdII coordination polymers, namely poly[[di-μ-aqua-diaquabis{μ5-4,4′,4′′-[benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(oxy)]tribenzoato}tricadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd3(C27H15O9)2(H2O)4]·2H2O} n , (I), and poly[[aqua{μ6-4,4′,4′′-[benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(oxy)]tribenzoato}(μ-formato)[μ-1,1′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(1H-imidazole)]dicadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd2(C27H15O9)(C12H10N4)(HCOO)(H2O)]·2H2O} n , (II), have been hydrothermally synthesized from the reaction system containing Cd(NO3)2·4H2O and the flexible tripodal ligand 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzene (H3tcpb) via tuning of the auxiliary ligand. Both complexes have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR spectra, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex (I) is a 3D framework constructed from trinuclear structural units and tcpb3− ligands in a μ5-coordination mode. The central CdII atom of the trinuclear unit is located on a crystallographic inversion centre and adopts an octahedral geometry. The metal atoms are bridged by four syn–syn carboxylate groups and two μ2-water molecules to form trinuclear [Cd3(COO)4(μ2-H2O)2] secondary building units (SBUs). These SBUs are incorporated into clusters by bridging carboxylate groups to produce pillars along the c axis. The one-dimensional inorganic pillars are connected by tcpb3− linkers in a μ5-coordination mode, thus forming a 3D network; its topology corresponds to the point symbol (42.62.82)(44.62)2(45.66.84)2. In contrast to (I), complex (II) is characterized by a 3D framework based on dinuclear cadmium SBUs, i.e. [Cd2(COO)3]. The two symmetry-independent CdII ions display different coordinated geometries, namely octahedral [CdN2O4] and monocapped octahedral [CdO7]. The dinuclear SBUs are incorporated into clusters by bridging formate groups to produce pillars along the c axis. These pillars are further bridged either by tcpb3− ligands into sheets or by 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene ligands into undulating layers, and finally these two-dimensional surfaces interweave, forming a 3D structure with the point symbol (4.62)(47.614). Compound (II) exhibits reversible I2 uptake of 56.8 mg g−1 with apparent changes in the visible colour and the UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra, and therefore may be regarded as a potential reagent for the capture and release of I2.

New Topologically Unique Metal-Organic Architectures Driven by a Pyridine-Tricarboxylate Building Block

Two new three-dimensional (3D) coordination compounds, namely a lead(II) coordination polymer (CP) {[Pb3(µ5-cpta)(µ6-cpta)(phen)2]·2H2O}n (1) and a zinc(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) {[Zn2(µ4-cpta)(µ-OH)(µ-4,4′-bipy)]·6H2O}n (2), were hydrothermally assembled from 2-(5-carboxypyridin-2-yl)terephthalic acid (H3cpta) as an unexplored principal building block and aromatic N,N-donors as crystallization mediators. Both products were isolated as air-stable microcrystalline solids and were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural and topological features of CP 1 and MOF 2 were analyzed in detail, allowing to identify a topologically unique 4,5,5,6-connected net in 1 or a very rare 4,4-connected net with the isx topology in 2. Thermal stability and solid-state luminescent behavior of 1 and 2 were also investigated. Apart from revealing a notable topological novelty, both compounds also represent the first structurally characterized Pb(II) and Zn(II) derivatives assembled from H3cpta, thus opening up the application of this unexplored pyridine-tricarboxylate block in the design of new metal-organic architectures.

A thermally stable three-dimensional cobalt(II) coordination polymer based on the V-shaped ligand 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalate

A new cobalt(II) coordination polymer (CP), poly[[bis[μ6-4-(4-carboxylatophenoxy)benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ6 O 1:O 1:O 3:O 3′:O 4:O 4′]bis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N′)tricobalt(II)] 0.72-hydrate], {[Co3(C15H7O7)2(C12H8N2)2]·0.72H2O} n , (I), is constructed from CoII ions and 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalate (cpoia3−) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands. Based on centrosymmetric trinuclear [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] secondary building units (SBUs), the structure of (I) is a three-dimensional CP with a (3,6)-connected net and point symbol (42.6)2(44.62.87.102). The positions of four [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] SBUs and four cpoia3− ligands reproduce a Chinese-knot-shaped arrangement along the ab plane. (I) has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermostability analysis. It shows a good thermal stability from room temperature to 673 K. In addition, the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties was measured.

Hydrothermal assembly, structures, topologies, luminescence, and magnetism of a novel series of coordination polymers driven by a trifunctional nicotinic acid building block

In this work, a trifunctional N,O-building block, 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)nicotinic acid (H₂cpna), that combines three distinct types of functional groups (COOH, N-pyridyl, and O-ether) was used for the hydrothermal assembly of thirteen new coordination compounds: [Co(μ₃-Hcpna)₂]_n (1), [Mn(μ₄-cpna)(H₂O)]_n (2), [Mn(μ₄-cpna)(H₂O)₂]_n (3), [Mn(μ-cpna)(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)₂]_n (4), {[Ni(μ₃-cpna)(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)]₂·H₂O}_n (5), {[Cd(μ₃-cpna)(2,2'-bipy)]·2H₂O}_n (6), [Zn₂(μ-cpna)₂(2,2'-bipy)₂] (7), [Cu(μ-cpna)(2,2'-bipy)(H₂O)]_n (8), {[Mn(μ-cpna)(phen)₂]·6H₂O}_n (9), {[Ni(μ₃-cpna)(phen)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n (10), [Zn₂(μ-cpna)₂(phen)₂] (11), {[Pb(μ₃-cpna)(phen)]·H₂O}_n (12), and [Ni(μ₃-cpna)(4,4'-bipy)_0.5(H₂O)]_n (13). These products were synthesized from the corresponding metal(ii) chlorides, H₂cpna, NaOH, and optional N-donor supporting ligands or templates {bis(4-pyridyl)amine (bpa), 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy), 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy), or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)}. Products 1-13 were characterized in the solid state by standard methods, including elemental and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), IR spectroscopy, and powder (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures of 1-13 feature distinct structural types, namely the 3D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs 1-3), the 2D coordination polymers (5, 6, 10, 12, and 13), the 1D coordination polymers (4, 8, and 9), and the 0D discrete cyclic dimers (7 and 11). Such a wide structural diversity of 1-13 is driven by various factors, including the type of the metal(ii) node, the deprotonation degree of H₂cpna, and/or the type of supporting ligand or template. Notably, an addition of bpa can tune the structure of MOF 3 by the template effect. Topological classification of underlying metal-organic networks was performed, leading to several distinct topological nets: rtl (in 1), hxg-d-4-C2/m (in 2), sra (in 3), 2C1 (in 4, 8 and 9), fes (in 5, 10, and 12), hcb (in 6), and 3,4L83 (in 13). The magnetic behavior of 1-5, 8-10, and 13 was studied and theoretically modeled, disclosing antiferromagnetic interactions. The luminescence behavior of 6, 7, 11, and 12 was also investigated.

Submicron sized water-stable metal organic framework (bio-MOF-11) for catalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products

Water-stable and active metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are important materials for mitigation of water contaminants via adsorption and catalytic reactions. In this study, a highly water-stable Co-based MOF, namely bio-MOF-11-Co, was synthesized by a simplified benign method. Moreover, it was used as a catalyst in successful activation of peroxymonsulfate for catalytic degradation of sulfachloropyradazine (SCP) and para-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) as representatives of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, respectively. The bio-MOF-11-Co showed rapid degradation of both p-HBA and SCP and could be reused multiple times without losing the activity by simply water washing. The effects of catalyst and PMS loadings as well as temperature were further studied, showing that high catalyst and PMS loadings as well as temperature produced faster kinetic degradation of p-HBA and SCP. The generation of highly reactive and HO radicals during the degradation was investigated by quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance. A plausible degradation mechanism was proposed based on the functionalities in the bio-MOF-11-Co. The availability of electron rich nucleobase adenine reinforced the reaction kinetics by electron donation along with cobalt atoms in the bio-MOF-11-Co structure.

Bringing 5-(3,4-dicarboxylphenyl)picolinic acid to crystal engineering research: hydrothermal assembly, structural features, and photocatalytic activity of Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn coordination polymers

A novel tricarboxylic acid block with phthalate and picolinate functionalities was applied for the assembly of a new series of coordination polymers with interesting structural features and functional properties.

An efficient strategy for improving the luminescent sensing performance of a terbium(iii) metal–organic framework towards multiple substances

A new luminescent Ln-MOF-based sensor with hydrolytic stability has been successfully prepared.

A new series of Cd(ii) metal–organic architectures driven by soft ether-bridged tricarboxylate spacers: synthesis, structural and topological versatility, and photocatalytic properties

Two multifunctional, ether-bridged tricarboxylic acids were used as unexplored and highly versatile building blocks for the hydrothermal generation of eight new cadmium(ii) metal–organic architectures.

A luminescent supramolecular Cu2I2(NH3)2-sandwiched Cu3(pyrazolate)3 adduct as a temperature sensor

A highly luminescent supramolecular Cu₂I₂(NH₃)₂-sandwiched Cu₃(pyrazolate)₃ π-acid⋯base adduct, stabilized by intermolecular Cu₃⋯I (π-acid⋯base), Cu⋯Cu and N⋯H interactions, is reported as a temperature sensor in a wide range.

Luminescent Zn(II) Coordination Polymers for Highly Selective Sensing of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in Water

Three photoluminescent zinc coordination polymers (CPs), {[Zn₂(tpeb)₂(2,5-tdc)(2,5-Htdc)₂]·2H₂O}_n (1), {[Zn₂(tpeb)₂(1,4-ndc)(1,4-Hndc)₂]·2.6H₂O}_n (2), and {[Zn₂(tpeb)₂(2,3-ndc)₂]·H₂O}_n (3) (tpeb = 1,3,5-tri-4-pyridyl-1,2-ethenylbenzene, 2,5-tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and 2,3-ndc = 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) were prepared from reactions of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with tpeb and 2,5-H₂tdc, 1,4-H₂ndc, or 2,3-H₂ndc under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 has a two-dimensional (2D) grid-like network formed from bridging 1D [Zn(tpeb)]_n chains via 2,5-tdc dianions. 2 and 3 possess similar one-dimensional (1D) double-chain structures derived from bridging the [Zn(tpeb)]_n chains via pairs of 1,4-ndc or 2,3-ndc ligands. The solid-state, visible emission by 1-3 was quenched by Cr³⁺, CrO₄^2-, and Cr₂O₇^2- ions in water with detection limits by the most responsive complex 3 of 0.88 ppb for Cr³⁺ and 2.623 ppb for Cr₂O₇^2- (pH = 3) or 1.734 ppb for CrO₄^2- (pH = 12). These values are well below the permissible limits set by the USEPA and European Union and the lowest so far reported for any bi/trifunctional CPs sensors. The mechanism of Cr³⁺ luminescence quenching involves irreversible coordination to free pyridyl sites in the CP framework, while the Cr⁶⁺ quenching involves reversible overlap of the absorption bands of the analytes with those of the excitation and/or emission bands for 3.

Dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting acetone and Fe3+ based on {Cu2N4} substructure bridged Cu(i) coordination polymer

A novel red emission polymer can serve as a dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting trace amounts of acetone and Fe³⁺ though quenching the luminescence.