A 20-Metal Zn(II)–Cd(II)–Eu(III) Nanocluster with Qualitative and Quantitative Luminescence Detection of Meloxicam (an Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

Meloxicam (MLX) is a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but on the other hand, it has become one of the common microcontaminants in surface waters and sewage. Herein, we report the preparation of a ternary-metal Zn(II)–Cd(II)–Eu(III) nanocluster 1 for the response of MLX through the enhancement of lanthanide luminescence. The luminescence sensing behavior of 1 is expressed by the equation I615nm = 3060 × [MLX] + 46,604, which can be used in the quantitative analysis of MLX concentrations in meloxicam dispersible tablets. Filter paper strips bearing 1 can be used to qualitatively detect MLX by a color change to red under a UV lamp. The luminescence response time is no more than five s, and the detection limit is as low as 2.31 × 10–2 nM.