Two multifunctional LnMOFs as recyclable luminescent sensors for sensitive detection of nitro-aromatic compounds

Two isostructural lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (LnMOFs), MOF1 and MOF2, were synthesized by solvothermal reaction. The composition and morphology of MOF1 and MOF2 were characterized by FT-IR, EDX, TG, PXRD, et al. The fluorescence spectra show that MOF1 and MOF2 have the significant characteristic emission bands of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively. Based on the characteristic emissions of Eu3+ and Tb3+ in MOF1 and MOF2, we studied the fluorescence sensing experiments of them to aromatic compounds. The results show that MOF1 and MOF2 both exhibit significant fluorescence quenching effect toward p-nitroaniline, o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol with good selectivity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the anti-interference and recyclability were carried out. All the results confirm MOF1 and MOF2 can be used as potential sensing materials for the selective detection of environment pollutants.