Detection of polychlorinated benzenes (persistent organic pollutants) by a luminescent sensor based on a lanthanide metal–organic framework

Abstract

Based on a coordination symmetry approach, a luminescent lanthanide metal–organic framework (Ln-MOF), {[Eu₂(L)₃(DMF)₂]·DMF·MeOH}_n (Ln-MOF 1, H₂L = 5-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), with a 3,8-connected tfz-d net was synthesized. Ln-MOF 1 exhibits a strong red luminescence induced by the efficient antenna effect of the ligand. More importantly, Ln-MOF 1 luminescence is efficiently quenched upon exposure to polychlorinated benzenes, which are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and cause permanent damage to human health and living environments.