Dual-functional CDs@ZIF-8/chitosan luminescent film sensors for simultaneous detection and adsorption of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) residues have been noted as an important class of emerging contaminants in the environment, thus fast, straightforward, highly sensitive detection method is becoming an issue that must be addressed. Herein, a novel CDs@ZIF-8 sensing material was fabricated by encapsulating luminescent carbon dots (CDs) into the metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) to achieve highly luminescent porous composites. Furthermore, to avoid the secondary contamination caused by powders, a shapable CDs@ZIF-8/CS film sensor as a portable disposable test strip with dual-function of TC detection and adsorption was designed by crosslinking CDs@ZIF-8 with chitosan (CS). The as-prepared CDs@ZIF-8/CS hybrid film exhibited the high sensitivity and selectivity for TC fluorescence detection and rapid decontaminate capability, as well as high optical transmittance and robust mechanical property, which were essential for the practical sensing application. This paper-based dual-functional luminescent sensor exhibits promising practicability for TC detection and contaminant removal in pharmaceutical analysis, food safety and water treatment.

Automated summary

This paper presents a novel luminescent sensing material, CDs@ZIF-8, fabricated by encapsulating luminescent carbon dots into a metal-organic framework. A portable disposable test strip, CDs@ZIF-8/CS film sensor, was designed by crosslinking CDs@ZIF-8 with chitosan for TC detection and adsorption. The hybrid film exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, optical transmittance, and mechanical property, making it promising for applications in pharmaceutical analysis, food safety, and water treatment.