A Multi-responsive Regenerable Europium-Organic Framework Luminescent Sensor for Fe3+, CrVI Anions, and Picric Acid

A novel luminescent microporous lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF) based on a urea-containing ligand has been successfully assembled. Structural analysis revealed that the framework features two types of 1D channels, with urea N-H bonds projecting into the pores. Luminescence studies have revealed that the Ln-MOF exhibits high sensitivity, good selectivity, and a fast luminescence quenching response towards Fe3+, Cr-VI anions, and picric acid. In particular, in the detection of Cr2O72- and picric acid, the Ln-MOF can be simply and quickly regenerated, thus exhibiting excellent recyclability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a multi-responsive luminescent Ln-MOF sensor for Fe3+, Cr-VI anions, and picric acid based on a urea derivative. This Ln-MOF may potentially be used as a multi-responsive regenerable luminescent sensor for the quantitative detection of toxic and harmful substances.