Fluorescent Detection of Salicylaldehyde Based on Tb-Based Coordination Polymer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Salicylaldehyde (SAL) is a key industrial chemical with significant environmental and health concerns due to its widespread use.
• Effective and sensitive detection methods for SAL are crucial for environmental protection and human safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, stable, and highly sensitive sensor for the quantitative detection of salicylaldehyde.
• To investigate the sensing mechanism and selectivity of the developed material.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a terbium(III)-based coordination polymer (HNU-90-Tb) using 4-carboxytriphenylamine (HL) and Tb³⁺.
• Characterization of the coordination polymer's stability in aqueous environments and across a wide pH range.
• Utilizing fluorescence quenching for the quantitative detection of SAL and evaluating its response time and detection limit.

Main Results:

• HNU-90-Tb demonstrated remarkable stability in aqueous solutions across pH 2-11.
• The sensor achieved a low detection limit of 0.07 ppm for SAL with a rapid response time of 30 seconds.
• HNU-90-Tb exhibited excellent selectivity for SAL against various aldehyde analogs.

Conclusions:

• The terbium(III)-based coordination polymer HNU-90-Tb is a promising material for the sensitive and selective detection of salicylaldehyde.
• The sensor's stability and performance highlight its potential for real-world environmental monitoring applications.
• The detection mechanism involves a combination of inner filter and dynamic quenching effects.