Zn-Based Three-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Fluorescence Detection in Zwitterionic Ions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer unique structural and chemical properties for ion detection.
• Zinc-based MOFs are particularly promising for selective ion recognition in various applications.
• Developing MOFs for simultaneous detection of multiple ions remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel 3D zinc-based MOF using a simple ligand and hydrothermal method.
• To investigate the MOF's potential as a bifunctional fluorescence probe for both cationic and anionic species.
• To evaluate the MOF's selectivity and sensitivity for detecting specific ions in mixed solutions.

Main Methods:

• A straightforward hydrothermal method at low temperature was employed for MOF synthesis.
• The synthesized Zn(all-bdc)(Py) MOF was characterized for its structural and porous properties.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to assess the MOF's detection capabilities for Fe3+ and KMnO4- ions.

Main Results:

• The 3D porous Zn(all-bdc)(Py) MOF demonstrated excellent recognition for Fe3+ and KMnO4- ions.
• Low detection limits of 0.95 μM for Fe3+ and 0.13 μM for KMnO4- were achieved.
• The MOF maintained selective recognition of Fe3+ and KMnO4- even in the presence of interfering ions.

Conclusions:

• A novel 3D MOF was successfully synthesized for bifunctional ion detection.
• The developed MOF serves as a sensitive and selective fluorescence probe for Fe3+ and KMnO4-.
• This work expands the application of MOFs in mixed-ion sensing and analysis.