Issue 6, 2025

A novel overtone peak self-referencing fluorescent sensor based on a bipyridine-linked covalent organic framework for highly sensitive copper ion detection

Abstract

This study reports a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on a tetraphenylethylene-bipyridine covalent organic framework (TPE-Bpy-COF) for the sensitive detection of Cu2+, leveraging the unique coordination properties of the bipyridine moieties. The interaction between Cu2+ and the nitrogen atoms in the bipyridine units induces fluorescence quenching at 500 nm through an efficient host–guest electron transfer mechanism, where excited-state electrons from the COF framework are transferred to the vacant orbitals of Cu2+. Upon excitation at 410 nm, the sensor exhibits a primary emission peak at 500 nm, which is quenched in the presence of Cu2+, while an overtone peak at 820 nm remains stable, serving as an internal reference for ratiometric measurements and significantly enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the sensor. The detection limit for Cu2+ is 0.1 μM, with the dual-emission system and the strong affinity of the bipyridine units for Cu2+, further improving the sensor's sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, the sensor demonstrated excellent recovery rates in real water samples, confirming its practical applicability in environmental monitoring.

Graphical abstract: A novel overtone peak self-referencing fluorescent sensor based on a bipyridine-linked covalent organic framework for highly sensitive copper ion detection

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
22 Sep 2024
Accepted
10 Dec 2024
First published
21 Jan 2025

Anal. Methods, 2025,17, 1362-1370

A novel overtone peak self-referencing fluorescent sensor based on a bipyridine-linked covalent organic framework for highly sensitive copper ion detection

T. Huang, W. Xiong, F. Liao, G. Wei, Z. Yin and H. Fan, Anal. Methods, 2025, 17, 1362 DOI: 10.1039/D4AY01738B

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