A multi-responsive luminescent sensor based on a super-stable sandwich-type terbium(iii)-organic framework

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable properties for diverse applications.
• Terbium(iii)-based MOFs are explored for their unique luminescent characteristics.
• Developing robust and multifunctional sensors remains a key challenge in materials science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a super-stable multifunctional terbium(iii)-organic framework (Tb-MOF).
• To investigate the sensing capabilities of Tb-MOF for various analytes.
• To explore the potential of Tb-MOF as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of {[Tb(TATAB) (H2O)2]·NMP·H2O}n (Tb-MOF) using H3TATAB and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
• Structural characterization of the 2D sql framework with binuclear Tb2(COO)4(H2O)4 units.
• Evaluation of Tb-MOF stability across various solvents, pH ranges, and in the presence of different ions.
• Luminescence spectroscopy to assess detection of organic molecules, metal cations, inorganic anions, and explosives (nitrophenols).

Main Results:

• The synthesized Tb-MOF exhibits a stable 2D sql structure and a sandwich-type architecture.
• Tb-MOF remains intact in diverse environments, including solvents, aqueous solutions, and across a wide pH range (1-13).
• High sensitivity and selectivity were achieved in detecting small organic molecules, metal cations, inorganic anions, and specific explosive nitrophenols.
• Luminescence quenching by Fe3+ and Cr2O72- ions was explained by competitive absorption.
• A strong correlation between luminescence intensity and pH (1-13) was observed.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized Tb-MOF is a highly stable and multifunctional material.
• Tb-MOF demonstrates significant potential as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor for various analytes.
• Its robustness and sensing capabilities make it suitable for environmental monitoring and safety applications.