A novel 3D Cd₂-cluster-based coordination polymer fluorescent probe for the detection of nerve agent simulant and...

Sarin and UO₂²⁺ severely threaten public health, the environment, and national security, necessitating efficient dual-target detection tools. Herein, a novel 3D Cd₂ cluster-based coordination polymer (CP), namely {Cd₂(seb)₂(bbimh)₂·2H₂O}_n (NBC-1) was synthesized via hydrothermal method, using Cd(II), 1,6-bis(benzimidazole)hexane (bbimh), and sebacic acid (H₂seb) as metal center and ligands. NBC-1 crystallizes in triclinic P-1 space group with a 6-connected pcu topology, exhibiting excellent fluorescence and chemical stability. Fluorescence sensing assays revealed that NBC-1 displays exceptional selectivity and sensitivity for the sarin simulant diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP) and UO₂²⁺ via fluorescence quenching, with limits of detection (LOD) as low as 32.9 nM and 42.3 nM, respectively. As the first reported CP enabling dual DCP/UO₂²⁺ detection, it performs reliably in real river water; its derived portable hydrogels support on-site visual detection, making it a versatile field tool for environmental monitoring, public safety screening, and national defense. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The novel 3D Cd₂-cluster coordination polymer (NBC-1) serves as a high-performance fluorescent probe for dual detection of highly hazardous sarin simulants and UO₂²⁺. Boasting high sensitivity, strong anti-interference, and reliable performance in real river water, it enables early pollution warning. Additionally, it can be fabricated into portable hydrogels for on-site visual detection, providing practical technical support for environmental monitoring and public safety to safeguard ecosystems and public health.