A channel-structured Eu-based metal-organic framework with a zwitterionic ligand for selectively sensing Fe ions

• Published in: RSC advances Vol. 8; no. 38; pp. 21444 - 2145
• Main Authors: Huang, Yong-Qing, Chen, Huai-Ying, Wang, Yang, Ren, Yong-He, Li, Zong-Ge, Li, Lu-Chao, Wang, Yan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 12.06.2018
• ISSN: 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ra02809e

A novel Eu-based MOF [Eu(IMS1) 2 ]Cl·4H 2 O ( 1 ) was successfully constructed based on a semi-rigid zwitterionic 1,3-bis(4-carboxylbenzyl)-imidazolium (IMS1) ligand, featuring a 3-fold interpenetrating dia net structure with a point symbol of 6 6 and charged permanent micropores. Considering its excellent luminescent property as well as thermal and chemical stability, complex 1 was explored as a potential sensor for detecting Fe 3+ ions. The results show that complex 1 has a high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe 3+ based on a 'turn-off' effect, for which the electrostatic interaction between Fe 3+ ions and the inner surface of the micropores may play a critical role. The fluorescence quenching mechanism reveals that dynamic quenching and competitive adsorption between Fe 3+ and 1 lead to the quenching effect of 1 . A channel-structured Eu-based metal-organic framework with a zwitterionic ligand may serve as a sensor for selectively detecting Fe 3+ ions.