Eu3+ functionalized robust membranes based on the post-synthetic copolymerization of a metal–organic framework and ethyl methacrylate

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as a class of promising crystalline materials. However, their subsequent processing and shaping still remain a challenge, and one emerging strategy is to hybridize MOFs with flexible polymers. Herein, by utilizing a simple and cost-effective post-synthetic polymerization method, under mild conditions, MOF particles with olefin bonds are covalently linked to polymer chains. Moreover, photoactive europium ions are also introduced into this system during the polymerization process. Importantly, the resulting MOF-based membrane (MOF1-Eu³⁺@PEMA) is uniform, showing great structural and fluorescence stability against strict conditions (aqueous solutions with pH 0.98–13.11). Besides, given its good luminescence properties, the membrane is employed for the identification of common volatile organic compounds and a selective response to toluene was achieved. This work accelerates the practical applications of MOF-based membranes and enriches the methods for MOF modification.