Functionalized MOF as a Sensitive Spectroscopic Probe for Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ Ions Detection in Aqueous Media

A modified metal-organic framework (MOF) named Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br was synthesized via a Schiff-base reaction between the MOFs (Al-MIL-53-NH2) and 5-bromo salicylaldehyde. The robust functionalized Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br was used as a novel spectrophotometric sensor for detecting Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ ions. In a wide range of concentrations, the absorption spectral intensity of Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br increased linearly upon increasing the concentration of Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ ions. The limit of detection (LOD) of the proposed Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br sensor reached 1.52 ppm of Hg2+ ion (7.56 x 10(-9) M). Therefore, this study introduces a novel ratiometric Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ ions chemosensor. Simple treatment using thiourea or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid can remove the metal ions from the used sensor and use it many times with a high efficiency. In addition, the Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br sensor has a high adsorption capacity for these metal ions. The design of the robust Al-MIL-53N = SA-Br sensor provided high stability, reproducibility, selectivity, high sensitivity, and a facile sensing design. Furthermore, the good absorption spectral stability of Al-MIL-53-N = SA-Br in aqueous media, the broad linear in sensing, and the low LOD of the Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ ions show its high potential in determining these ions in real water.

Automated summary

A modified metal-organic framework was synthesized and used as a sensor for detecting Hg2+, Co2+, and Al3+ ions. The framework exhibited high adsorption capacity and stability, with a linear relationship between the spectral intensity and the concentration of the ions. The sensor can be easily regenerated and has high efficiency in repeated use.