A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on metal-organic frameworks and quantum dots for detection of ascorbic acid

In the present work, a dual-emission sensor constructed with CdTe quantum dots and Zr-MOF, was developed for sensing ascorbic acid (AA). Based on the distinct fluorescent responses of CdTe and UiO-66-NH2 to AA, UiO-66NH2@CdTe can be developed as a ratiometric sensor for AA detection. In this ratiometric sensor, the emission of UiO-66-NH2 is quenched while the emission of CdTe is increased with the addition of AA. Benefiting from the confinement effect of the UiO-66-NH2 host, the presented sensor showed good sensitivity toward AA and great selectivity over other structural analogs.

Automated summary

In this study, a dual-emission sensor was developed for sensing ascorbic acid (AA) using CdTe quantum dots and Zr-MOF. The sensor showed good sensitivity towards AA and great selectivity over other structural analogs, benefiting from the confinement effect of the UiO-66-NH2 host.