Competitive coordination-triggered fluorescence turn-on in NU-1000 for selective tricresyl phosphate detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is a widely used flame retardant with significant neurotoxic, genotoxic, and developmental risks.
• Environmental contamination by TCP necessitates sensitive, rapid, and portable detection techniques.
• Existing detection methods often lack the speed and portability required for real-time environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fluorescence turn-on sensor for the selective and rapid detection of tricresyl phosphate (TCP).
• To utilize the unique properties of the NU-1000 material for enhanced fluorescence sensing.
• To establish a foundation for the optical analysis of organophosphorus flame retardants in aquatic environments.

Main Methods:

• A fluorescence turn-on sensor was designed and synthesized based on the NU-1000 metal-organic framework.
• The sensor's fluorescence response was investigated upon interaction with TCP, analyzing the underlying mechanism involving ligand-metal charge transfer (LMCT) and metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effects.
• The sensor's performance was evaluated for linearity and response time in the detection of TCP.

Main Results:

• The NU-1000 based sensor demonstrated a fluorescence turn-on mechanism triggered by TCP.
• TCP detection was facilitated by the formation of Zr-O-P bonds, inhibiting LMCT and enhancing fluorescence via MEF.
• The sensor exhibited excellent linearity in the range of 0.30 to 10.0 μmol L⁻¹ with a rapid response time of 2 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The developed NU-1000 based sensor provides an efficient and selective method for detecting tricresyl phosphate (TCP).
• This work highlights the potential of NU-1000 in optical sensing applications and for the rapid fluorescence analysis of organophosphorus flame retardants.
• The sensor offers a promising tool for environmental monitoring of TCP in aquatic systems.