Tetraphenylethylene-Imidazole-Based MOFs for Broad Spectrum and Chain-Length Complementary Detection of
Xiao-Ru Guo1, Peng Wang1, Zhao-Feng Qiu1
1Coordination Chemistry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|March 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel fluorescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water. These MOFs offer sensitive and selective detection, addressing a critical environmental monitoring challenge.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Accurate detection of PFASs in water is crucial for environmental monitoring and human health.
- Existing detection methods may lack sensitivity, selectivity, or broad applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel fluorescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the detection of PFASs in water.
- To create a complementary detection system capable of distinguishing between different types of PFASs.
- To investigate the sensing mechanisms and performance characteristics of the developed MOFs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of three distinct fluorescent MOFs (MOF1, MOF2, MOF3) using Zn(II)/Cd(II) nodes and a Tipe ligand with varied coligands.
- Evaluation of MOF responses (fluorescence quenching/enhancement) to various long- and short-chain PFASs.
- Assessment of sensing performance, including detection limits, anti-interference capabilities, and cycling stability.
- Mechanistic studies using fluorescence spectroscopy and analysis of structural interactions.
Main Results:
- MOF1 demonstrated broad-spectrum PFAS detection via fluorescence quenching.
- MOF2 exhibited selective fluorescence enhancement for long-chain PFASs.
- MOF3 showed selective fluorescence quenching for short-chain PFASs, forming a complementary system.
- All MOFs displayed low detection limits (down to 0.22 ppm), strong anti-interference, and good stability.
- Mechanisms involve electron transfer (quenching) and restricted intramolecular motion (enhancement).
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescent MOFs provide a sensitive, selective, and robust platform for PFAS detection in water.
- The complementary system (MOF2/MOF3) enables differentiation between long- and short-chain PFASs.
- These MOFs hold significant potential for environmental monitoring applications and the remediation of PFAS-contaminated water.
