A highly sensitive MOF fluorescence probe for discriminative detection of aliphatic and aromatic amines

Abstract

The highly sensitive detection of organic amines is of great significance, as even low concentrations of amines can pose environmental and human health risks. Current methods to effectively sense amines in aqueous solution remain scarce, particularly in discriminative detection of aliphatic and aromatic amines. Herein, we have strategically designed and synthesized a multifunctional metal–organic framework (MOF) fluorescence probe that exhibits “turn-on” fluorescence for aliphatic amines and “turn-off” fluorescence for aromatic amines. Remarkably, based on the donor–acceptor electron transfer and competitive absorption mechanisms, ultralow detection limits are achieved with 0.22 μmol L⁻¹ for diethylamine (DEA) and 0.33 μmol L⁻¹ for p-phenylenediamine (PPD), respectively. This achievement underscores the potential of our MOF fluorescence probe in enhancing the precision and selectivity of amine detection in aqueous environments.