Hydrogen-Bond-Connected 2D Zn-LMOF with Fluorescent Sensing for Inorganic Pollutants and Nitro Aromatic Explosives in the Aqueous Phase

Water-Resistant Fluoro-Switchable MOF and Reconfigurable Bio-Composite for Nanomolar Level Ultra-Fast Monitoring of Organo-Arsenic and Antibiotic Feed-Additives

A mixed-ligand-based novel 3D Cd(II)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) is devised from π-electron-rich organic struts that shows two-fold interpenetrated bilayer-pillar structure. The strong luminescence of the MOF gets remarkably quenched by roxarsone (ROX) organo-arsenic in water. The material further exemplifies one-of-a-kind fluoro-switchable probe for antibiotics and exhibits massive turn-off emission by tetracycline (TTC), whereas sulfamethazine (SMZ) triggers an unprecedented 120% emission enhancement. Apart from regenerative, fast-responsive, and selective fluoro-detection of all three feed-additives, particularly significant is nanomolar limits of detection (LOD) of ROX (48.9 nm), whereas LOD for SMZ (33.9 nm) ranks lowest, and that of TTC (22.8 nm) stands second lowest among reported sensory MOFs. Besides varying degrees of energy transfer contribution for turn-off detection by ROX and TTC, density functional theory calculations manifest changes in MOF energy levels by individual organo-aromatics and additionally describe framework-analyte supramolecular interactions. The MOF sensor works equally well in different wastewater specimens and a wide pH range with good recovery percentage. To broaden the practical scope of the material, cheap MOF@paper strip as well as reconfigurable MOF@chitosan@paper bio-composite is developed and successfully employed for the instantaneous turn-off detection of ROX and fluoro-switchable monitoring of both the antibiotics at their low concentrations.

Zn(II)/La(III) Coordination Polymers Based on New Schiff Base Ligands for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol

In recent years, nitro explosives have posed a threat to national security and human health due to their hazard and environmental contamination. The rapid and effective detection of nitro explosives remains a challenge. In this work, a new Schiff base ligand H2L was carefully designed and successfully synthesized, H2L = 1,1'-((1E,1'E)-(cyclohexane-1,4-diylbis (azanylidene)) bis (methylidene) bis (naphthalene-2-ol). Two new coordination polymers, [Zn2L2]n and [La(NO3)3 (H2L)2CH3OH]n, were constructed by a solvothermal reaction. The aforementioned coordination polymers were characterized by X-ray, PXRD, TGA, and FT-IR, and the results demonstrated that the Zn-CP and the La-CP exhibited a one-dimensional chain structure and a two-dimensional reticular structure. Given the excellent performance of coordination polymers (CPs) in the field of fluorescence analysis and sensing, fluorescence sensing experiments were conducted on nitro explosives. The experimental results demonstrated that Zn-CP exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) by fluorescence quenching, with a detection limit of 4 × 10-6 M. The detection limit of La-CP for TNP was even as low as 0.78 × 10-6 M, and the quenching effect constants KSV were 7.03 × 103 and 1.59 × 104 M-1. Through experimentation and density functional theory calculations, the observed fluorescence quenching can be attributed to three mechanisms: photoinduced electron transfer, resonance energy transfer, and electrostatic interactions between CPs and NACs. Moreover, sensor-coated portable test strip devices were fabricated for easy and rapid on-site detection of the TNP explosive.

Two Stable Pillar-Layered Zn-LMOFs for Highly Fluorescence Sensing of Inorganic Pollutants and Nitro Aromatic Compounds in Water

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) are a potential class of functional materials for the photoluminescent detection of a wide range of analytes as well as for the detection of pollutants in wastewater. Herein, by using the pillar-layered strategy, two new luminescence Zn-LMOFs (JLU-MOF222 and JLU-MOF223) were successfully solvothermal synthesized. The 2D layers are both consisting of Zn2+ and TPHC [TPHC = (1,1':2',1″-terphenyl)-3,3″,4,4',4″,5'-hexacarboxylic acid] ligands and then pillared by the different N-donor ligands to form the 3D Zn-LMOFs with fsh topology. Benefiting from the uncoordinated carboxylate sites, uncoordinated N atom, or -NH2 group in the pillaring ligands and excellent stability in pH = 2-13 aqueous phase, JLU-MOF222 and JLU-MOF223 not only can sensitively detect trace amounts of inorganic pollutants (Fe3+, Cr2O72-) and nitro aromatic compounds TNP and 2,4-DNP (TNP = 2,4,6- trinitrophenol, 2,4-DNP = 2,4-dinitrophenol) through luminescence quenching but also exhibit high selectivity of other anti-interference competing analytes. The two new Zn-LMOFs can be used as potential luminescent sensors for pollutant detection in water due to their high KSV and low limit of detection (LOD).

Three coordination polymers based on 4,4'-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether: Synthesis, structure and selective fluorescent sensing properties

Three CPs [Zn2(PDA)2(BMIOPE)2·3H2O]n (1), [Co(Br-BDC)(BMIOPE)]n (2) and [Co(MIP)(BMIOPE)]n (3) were synthesized by solvothermal method based on dual-ligand strategy (H2PDA, Br-H2BDC, BMIOPE and H2MIP are 1,3-phenylenediacetic acid, 5-bromo-isophthalic acid, 4,4'-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether and 5-methylisophthalic acid, respectively). Complexes 1 and 3 exhibit twofold parallel interwoven sql nets. Complex 2 is 2D layer structure. The luminescence property investigations showed that complexes 1-3 could act as multi-responsive fluorescent sensors to detect UO22+, Cr2O72- and CrO42- and nitrofurantoin (NFT) through fluorescence turn-off process, presenting excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Finally, the possible fluorescent quenching mechanisms of complexes 1-3 toward the above pollutants are also further investigated by employing spectroscopic methods and quantum chemical calculations. The fluorescence lifetime measurements manifest the mechanism of fluorescence quenching is static quenching process.

Recent advancements in modifications of metal-organic frameworks-based materials for enhanced water purification and contaminant detection

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a key focus in water treatment and monitoring due to their unique structural features, including extensive surface area, customizable porosity, reversible adsorption, and high catalytic efficiency. While numerous reviews have discussed MOFs in environmental remediation, this review specifically addresses recent advancements in modifying MOFs to enhance their effectiveness in water purification and monitoring. It underscores their roles as adsorbents, photocatalysts, and in luminescent and electrochemical sensing. Advancements such as pore modification, defect engineering, and functionalization, combined synergistically with advanced materials, have led to the development of recyclable MOF-based nano-adsorbents, Z-scheme photocatalytic systems, nanocomposites, and hybrid materials. These innovations have broadened the spectrum of removable contaminants and improved material recyclability. Additionally, this review delves into the creation of multifunctional MOF materials, the development of robust MOF variants, and the simplification of synthesis methods, marking significant progress in MOF sensor technology. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges in this field and proposes potential future research directions and practical applications. The growing research interest in MOFs underscores the need for an updated synthesis of knowledge in this area, focusing on both current challenges and future opportunities in water remediation.

Zn-coordination polymers for fluorescence sensing various contaminants in water

Luminescent coordination polymers (LCPs) have garnered significant attention from researchers as promising materials for detecting contaminants. In this paper, three new LCPs ([Zn(tib)(opda)]n⋅H2O (1), [Zn3(tib)2(mpda)3]n⋅5H2O (2), [Zn (tib)(ppda)]n⋅H2O (3)) with different structures (LCP 1-3: 1D, 2D, 1D) using phenylenediacetic acid isomers and 1,3,5-tris (1-imidazolyl) benzene (tib) are synthesized. The specific surface areas (BET) of LCP 1-3 are 4 m2/g, 19 m2/g, and 13 m2/g respectively. LCP 1-3 exhibit excellent fluorescence properties and can serve as fluorescent probe for the detection of inorganic contaminants and organic contaminants. Due to the large BET of LCP 2, the detection limits for trace analytes surpass those of LCP 1 and 3. The detection limits of LCP 2 for Fe3+, nitrobenzene (NB), chloramphenicol (CAP), and pyrimethanil (PTH) are 8.3 nM, 0.016 μM, 0.19 μM, and 0.032 μM, respectively, and the fluorescence quenching rates are 98.6 %, 98.8 %, 92.3 %, and 98.8 %, respectively. These values outperform most reported in the literature. The quantum yields of LCP 1-3 are 11.84 %, 25.22 %, 22.00 % respectively. Real sample testing of LCP 1-3 reveals favorable performance, where spiked recoveries of LCP 2 for the detection of pyrimethanil in grape skins ranged from 99.62 % to 119.3 % with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.627 % to 4.56 % (n = 3). The fluorescence quenching mechanism was attributed to a combination of photoelectron transfer (PET), resonance energy transfer (RET), and competitive absorption (CA). This study advances the application of LCPs in luminescence sensing and contributes to the expansion of novel materials for detecting environmental pollutants.

Highly selective detection of 2,4-dinitrophenol by fluorescent NH2-MIL-125(Ti) via dual-parameter sensing technology

The organic contaminant 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is widely prevalent and poses significant risks to human health. Although numerous in-depth studies having been reported on the highly sensitive detection of 2,4-DNP, there are still challenges to its selective detection. Here, the fluorescence intensity ratio (I0/I) and emission peak shift (Δλ) were utilized for selective detection of 2,4-DNP by NH2-MIL-125(Ti). Notably, the emission peak of the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) suspension exhibited a remarkable red shift in the presence of 2,4-DNP (Δλ = 26 nm), accompanied by the blue shift or weak red shift of analogs, which provided a solid basis for selective detection of 2,4-DNP. Meanwhile, the I0/I ratio of the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) suspension exhibited a robust linear correlation with 2,4-DNP at the low concentration range (0-70 μM). The interaction of the analyte with NH2-MIL-125(Ti) was revealed to involve intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) through XPS, FTIR, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Additionally, we achieved the detection of 2,4-DNP using a smartphone by recognizing both the blue (B) values and the luminance (L) values. The obtained results demonstrated that the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) probe based on dual-parameter sensing technology exhibited excellent potential for selectively detecting 2,4-DNP in water environments, thereby offering significant prospects for its application in water quality assessment.

Site-Memory-Triggered Reversible Acronym Encryption in a Nitrogen-Rich Pore-Partitioned MOF for Ultrasensitive Monitoring of Roxarsone and Dichloran over Multiple Platform

Stimuli-responsive emission color modulation in fluorescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) promises luminescence-ink-based security application, while task-specific functionality-engineered pores can aid fast-responsive, discriminative, and ultralow detection of harmful organo-aromatics in the aqueous phase. Considering practical applicability, a self-calibrated fluoro-switch between encrypted and decrypted states is best suited for antiforgery measures, whereas image-based monitoring of organo-toxins by repetitive and handy methods over multiple platforms endorses in-field sensory potential. Herein, we constructed a mixed-ligand based chemically stable and bilayered-pillar MOF from -NH2-hooked pyridyl linker and tricarboxylate ligand that embraces negatively charged [Cd3(μ2-OH)(COO)6] node and shows pore-space-partitioning by nitrogen-rich flanked organic struts. Owing to the presence of a self-calibrating triazolylamine moiety-grafted auxiliary linker, this anionic MOF delineates reversible and multicyclic fluoro-swapping between protonated-encrypted and deprotonated-decrypted domains in the alternative presence of acid and base. Such pH-triggered, site-specific luminescence variation is utilized to construct highly regenerative anticounterfeiting labels for vivid acronym encryption. The intense fluorescence signature of the material is further harnessed in extremely selective and quick responsive sensing of harmful feed additive roxarsone (ROX) and dichloran (DCNA) pesticide in highly recyclable fashion with significant quenching and nanomolar limits of detection (ROX: 52 ppb; DCNA: 26.8 ppb). Notably, the ultrasensitive fluoro-detection of both these organo-toxins is successfully demonstrated via a handy paper-strip method as well as on the vegetable surface for real-time monitoring. Comprehensive density functional theory studies validate the electron transfer mechanism through redistribution of molecular orbital energy levels by each of the targeted analytes in this electron-rich framework besides evidencing MOF-analyte supramolecular interactions.

Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and fluorescence sensor behaviors of a new water-soluble double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene

A new water-soluble template of double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene was prepared, and its photophysical and sensor behaviors were evaluated. The characterization of novel double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene (6) was carried out by NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and mass spectroscopies. The photophysical behaviors of compound 6 were evaluated by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies in various solvent systems and different concentrations. As an application for usability of the obtained water-soluble template in different applications, the fluorescence sensor property of compound 6 was investigated in the presence of many different competing species (organic acids, saccharides, nitroaromatic compounds, anions, and metal cations). The results obtained showed that compound 6 had selectivity against only the nitroaromatic species among the competing species tested.

A Ni(II) Coordination Polymer as a Multifunctional Luminescent Sensor for Detection of UO22+, Cr2O72-, CrO42- and Nitrofurantoin

A new Ni coordination polymer [Ni(MIP)(BMIOPE)]_n (1) was constructed (BMIOPE = 4,4'-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether, and H₂MIP = 5-methylisophthalic acid), possessing two-dimensional (2D) twofold parallel interwoven net structure with a 4⁴∙6² point symbol. Complex 1 has been successfully obtained based on mixed-ligand strategy. The fluorescence titration experiments revealed that complex 1 could act as multifunctional luminescent sensor to simultaneously detect UO₂²⁺, Cr₂O₇^2- and CrO₄^2-, and NFT (nitrofurantoin). The limit of detection (LOD) values for complex 1 are 2.86 × 10^-5, 4.09 × 10^-5, 3.79 × 10^-5 and 9.32 × 10^-5 M for UO₂²⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, CrO₄^2- and NFT. The K_sv values are 6.18 × 10³, 1.44 × 10⁴, 1.27 × 10⁴ and 1.51 × 10⁴ M^-1 for NFT, CrO₄^2-, Cr₂O₇^2- and UO₂²⁺. Finally, the mechanism of its luminescence sensing is studied in detail. These results manifest that complex 1 is a multifunctional sensor for sensitive fluorescent UO₂²⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, CrO₄^2- and NFT detection.