Water-Robust Zinc-Organic Framework with Mixed Nodes and Its Handy Mixed-Matrix Membrane for Highly Effective Luminescent Detection of Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- in Aqueous Solution

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-based composites as luminescent sensors with excellent economic practicability and handy operability have attracted much attention. Herein, we designed and fabricated a porous Zn-based MOF, [Zn(OBA)(2)(L-1)center dot 2DMA](n) [1; H(2)OBA = 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid), L1 = 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)pyridine, and DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide], with mixed nodes under solvothermal conditions, and the pore size of 5.9 angstrom was calculated from N-2 adsorption isotherms by using a density functional theory model. The as-synthesized compound 1 is stable in different boiling organic solvents and water solutions with a wide pH range of 2-12 and exhibits intense luminescence emission at 360 nm under excitation of 290 nm. Significantly, compound 1 shows high selective detection of Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- in aqueous solution even under the interference of other ions. Compound 1 can quickly sense these ions in a short time and has a striking sensitivity toward Fe3+ with an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 1.06 mu M. The relatively low LODs for CrO42- and Cr2O72- are 3.87 and 2.37 mu M, respectively, compared to the reported works. Meanwhile, compound 1 can be reused to detect Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- six times by simple regeneration. Considering the practicability, a mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) incorporated compound 1 and poly(methyl methacrylate) has been constructed. This MMM displays quick detection of Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- and prompt regeneration by lifting from the analyte. This useful MMM shows a comparable LOD below 4.35 mu M for these ions. This work presents a cost-effective Zn-based MOF as a functional platform for simple but useful sensing of Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- in aqueous solution.

Automated summary

A porous Zn-based MOF was designed and fabricated for selective detection of Fe3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- in aqueous solution with ultralow detection limits and the ability for multiple regenerations. Incorporating the compound into a mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) also showed quick detection and regeneration capabilities for the ions at a comparable low detection limit. This work presents a cost-effective and practical platform for sensing in aqueous solutions.