A new dual-ligand DUT-52-type metal-organic framework for ratiometric luminescence detection of aqueous-phase Cu and CrO.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a unique class of multifunctional hybrid crystals that have been successfully utilized in diverse ranges of applications. However, since MOFs are prone to aqueous degradation, the development of stable luminescent MOF platforms in aqueous media is still a huge challenge. Here, a novel dual-ligand Eu/DUT-52-COOH composite is prepared based on the luminescent DUT-52 prototype structure a dual-ligand strategy and a post-synthetic modification (PSM) method. The functionalized Eu/DUT-52-COOH material exhibits dual emission and good photothermal stability in aqueous media. Thus, Eu/DUT-52-COOH is developed as a ratiometric luminescent sensor to achieve highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu and CrO in aqueous solutions and has a low detection limit of 3.43 μM and 25.7 nM, respectively. This work is one of the few cases of detecting Cu and CrO in aqueous media based on a DUT-52, and the detection signals can be observed by the bare eye without using sophisticated analytical instruments. The possible sensing mechanism is discussed in detail. The results obtained in this project may provide broad prospects for developing smart sensing systems to accomplish highly efficient, easily operable and quantitative intelligent recognition of Cu and CrO.