A self-calibrating bimetallic lanthanide metal–organic luminescent sensor integrated with logic gate operation for detecting N-methylformamide

Abstract

N-Methylformamide (NMF) has been recognized as one of the most important industrially relevant solvents and a crucial intermediate used in industrial processes. However, indiscriminate use of NMF has been perceived as a threat to sustainable development owing to the lack of effective monitoring. In this study, a bimetallic lanthanide metal–organic framework (LMOF) with a fast response time and high sensitivity for monitoring of NMF is designed and fabricated, which also exhibits strong fluorescence. The response emission signals toward NMF range from red to green and are significantly correlated with the increase in the solvent concentration of NMF. Considering the fast response and excellent sensitivity results, a logic gate with AND functions for NMF is constructed. Using NMF and 300 nm as inputs, the output signals can be directly visualized by perceiving the green light at 544 nm of the sensor. Thus, such logic gates hold great promise for application in intelligent solvent diagnostics. In conclusion, we have constructed a hydrothermally robust, luminescent [Eu_0.1Tb_1.9(FDA)₃(DMF)₂]·2DMF (1) based sensor integrated with a logic gate capable of detecting NMF by intelligent discrimination.